LUSAKA, Zambia — According to striker Fashion Sakala, the Zambian national team Chipolopolo has what it takes to make it out of their group at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
In an interview published Sunday by media outlet Mwebantu, Sakala expressed confidence that Zambia is “ready to take on the continent” at AFCON, which kicks off this weekend in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I think we are in a very good group. If we stick together and show passion, hard work, and dedication, I think we will go through,” Sakala commented when asked about Chipolopolo’s chances.
Zambia was drawn into Group H alongside Tanzania, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They face DR Congo this Wednesday in their first match, followed by Tanzania and then Morocco.
While acknowledging there are no easy matches, Sakala believes the squad’s attacking talents give them a great shot to advance. “The good thing about our squad is that our attacking players are all dangerous. If the two players concentrate on me, Patson Daka will score, Lameck Banda will score, and Edward Chilufya will score,” he said.
The 28-year-old striker, who plays professionally for Scottish club Rangers, says Chipolopolo are highly motivated and will “give more than 100% for us to go through to the next stage.”
Zambia is searching for its third AFCON title, having previously won the tournament in 2012 and 1994.
Sakala and his teammates hope to make a deep run in this year’s edition when play gets underway January 15th