Fashion Sakala sets Zambia’s key target for AFCON in Morocco

Zambia national team forward Fashion Sakala has tipped the Chipolopolo to reach the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Chipolopolo will be making their 19th appearance at the 35th edition of the tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the North African nation. They qualified for the AFCON after topping their qualification group.

In Morocco, Zambia will be looking to emulate their best run from 2012 when they went on to lift the title. Zambia have had six podium finishes from their previous 18 appearances.

According to Sakala, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, the team is prepared to get out of the group stage as their key target.

Zambia target is to get to next stage at AFCON

“For us we only have one goal; the first target that we have is obviously to get to the next stage. We just want to qualify to the next round. That’s the language that we are speaking,” said Sakala.

Sakala, who described Group A opponents as tough, said the team will be equal to the task, especially they already had good friendly matches against South Africa and Angola.

“We know the Africa Cup, we know how tough it is but I think we have a very good team to fight for this. We have players that are not yet known and ready to make some surprises,” added Sakala.

Zambia have been pooled in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Comoros, and Mali. They will kick off their campaign against Mali on December 22 at Stade Mohammed V, before taking on Comoros at the same venue on December 26. Their final group fixture will be against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 29.

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