AFCON 2023 Q: Zambia a point away from Cote D’Ivoire

After having missed out on three consecutive AFCON finals, Zambia is set to make its come-back amongst nobles with a victory or draw against Cote D’Ivoire this weekend.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) have opted for a rare pragmatic approach to prep the game, which began with a friendly against Kuwait.

The show-down will take place in the city of Ndola, on Saturday. The 2012 AFCON winners have been camping in the city since Tuesday, June 13.

As an aftermath of their 3-0 friendly defeat against Kuwait, the Zambian coach Avram Grant quickly returned with the lads to mend loopholes ahead of the crucial encounter.

China based Stoppilla Sunzu, whose name is synonymous in 2012 AFCON triumph, was the last to join the group in camp some 48 hours ago.

As a reminder, Zambia pits Côte d’Ivoire match on Saturday, June 17, 2023. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. GMT at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

As hosts, Côte d’Ivoire are already qualified for the tournament in group H, and the fight for the lone available ticket in this group is down to second placed Zambia and the Comoros. Bottom side Lesotho with one point are already eliminated.

Zambia are on nine points and only need one point when they host the Elephants to confirm their place in the tournament.

Third placed Comoros who have three points play Lesotho away from home and must win to keep their hopes alive. Their fate is however tied to the result between Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire.