Zambia coach Avram Grant has expressed optimism ahead of his team’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Sierra Leone on September 10.
The Chipolopolo will host the Leone Stars at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Grant highlighted the importance of playing in front of their home fans, who played a significant role in their previous match. “We like to play at home. These supporters were so good in the last game that we played here and they helped us a lot,” he said.
The Israeli tactician acknowledged the challenges posed by Sierra Leone but remained confident in his team’s ability to secure a positive result. “We have seen them, and we know that it will be tough; but our aim is to make it just as tough for them. We will do everything in our power to achieve this and to start well and to go to the AFCON for a second time in a row,” Grant explained.
Despite a slow start to their qualification campaign, Grant remains confident in Zambia’s chances of qualifying for consecutive AFCON tournaments. The Chipolopolo currently sit at the bottom of Group G after a defeat to reigning champions Ivory Coast in their opening fixture.
“Yes, if not I wouldn’t be here,” Grant said when asked about his belief in Zambia’s chances. “I think we have a good team, even with all the absences. We showed this in the last game where we had a good performance but we didn’t get the best results and now we want a good performance and a good result.”
By Michael Nabary
