Midfielder Kings Kangwa says Chipolopolo will have to put in a flawless performance against Ivory Coast to get a positive result in Friday’s Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Ndola.
With seven points after four matches played, the Chipolopolo need to avoid defeat on Friday night against the Elephants of Ivory Coast to enhance their chances of qualifying for the AFCON out of Group G.
Speaking to journalists after the team’s training session this morning in Ndola, Kangwa said the Chipolopolo were all prepared and eager to take on the reigning African champions on Friday.
“I think we are ready and looking forward to the game. Everything is in our hands so we just have to work hard as a team and give everything,” Kangwa said.
The Hapoel Be’er Sheva attacker added that the Chipolopolo will have to utilize home advantage in order to down the Elephants while also calling on local fans to turn up and rally behind the team on Friday.
“We are playing at home so as I said everything is in our hands we just need each and every one of the fans to support us,” he said.
While the pre-match odds are pitting Ivory Coast ahead of Zambia in the encounter, Kangwa says the Chipolopolo are only focused on delivering a good performance in order to carry the day against the Elephants.
“It is normal to doubt [us] that is why they are fans but for us I think everyone is ready and we will do our best and fight for a good result,” he said.
Zambia rallied to a resounding 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast the last time the two sides met in Ndola in June, 2023 and the Chipolopolo anticipate a thrilling re-match at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
“I think it is going to be a good one too, we are playing against a very good team so we are trying our best to repeat what we did last time. It is not going to be easy but we will work hard and I’m sure we will make it,” Kangwa said.
Victory over the Elephants on Friday could be vital in Avram Grant’s bid to lead the Chipolopolo to back-to-back AFCON tournaments for the first time since 2012 and 2013 respectively.
