HAVE FAITH
…believe in Chipolopolo, says Asanovic
ZAMBIANS must believe in the Chipolopolo as they enter the final phase of preparations for the 2023 Ivory Coast TotalEnergy Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers set to kick off next month, says national team coach Aljosa Asanovic.
In an interview after yesterday’s morning training session at Edwin Imboela Stadium, Asanovic said he believes in the Chipolopolo’s competency to beat Group H favourites Ivory Coast who will host the Chipolopolo in the first AFCON qualifying fixture scheduled for June 3 in Ivory Coast.
Asanovic is confident that the Chipolopolo will represent the country diligently after struggling to qualify for the last three editions of the tournament.
He said having a positive mind will inspire the team to get the best results needed to qualify for the continental championship.
Zambia is placed in Group H where they will compete with Comoros, Lesotho and 2023 AFCON hosts and favourites, Ivory Coast.
“Ivory Coast is a great team and when you have players such as Saha, they are an excellent team but if I don’t believe in my team then why even go there? I believe so much in my boys and you must believe in them too,” Asanovic said.
“Yes, we respect Ivory Coast, they are the best, the favourite in our group but come on Zambia, believe in the Patson Dakas, believe the Mwepus, Kelvin Kampambas . Our team is a great team with great players so trust us,” Asanovic said.
He is also confident that the defending duo of Frankie Musonda and Aime Mabika who features for Raith Rovers and Inter Miami FC in the USA will be available for the AFCON qualifiers as the government is doing everything to make sure that the two players are present.
The Croatian gaffer is happy that foreign-based players are making a lot of progress with Fashion Sakala playing in the UEFA Europa League final with Glasgow Rangers.
He is also confident that the injured Mwepu will be fit to face Ivory Coast after he started to train with his team as he recovers.
Asanovic also noted that he believes in the local stars who have been summoned for national team duty and have shown a lot of commitment and determination to be part of the final squad.
The best local players will be part of the team that will travel to Ghana next week before facing Ivory Coast.
Asanovic believes the camp in West Africa will be key to ensuring that the local and foreign-based players are able to bond before the game against Ivory Coast.