Chipolopolo itching for Algeria battle- Fashion

Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala says Zambia is ready for a tough test against Algeria in Friday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier. Zambia faces the Desert Foxes at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou at 21:00 hours Zambian time in their opening Group I match. Speaking to FAZ Media…

Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala says Zambia is ready for a tough test against Algeria in Friday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier.

Zambia faces the Desert Foxes at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou at 21:00 hours Zambian time in their opening Group I match.

Speaking to FAZ Media in Algeria, Sakala said preparations have been good and the team is motivated.

“To be honest, we have a very good team and we’ve been preparing so well for this game. I know it will be a very tough game against Algeria,” he said.

The skipper recalled his senior debut against Algeria at Heroes Stadium where Zambia beat them, but warned against complacency.

“My first national team game for the senior team was against Algeria at Heroes Stadium and we destroyed them. It won’t be an easy game, but we can achieve something big. The biggest dream and the biggest target is to qualify to the Africa Cup,” Sakala said.

On changes in the Algerian squad, Sakala said Zambia will be ready for whoever is fielded.

“We know about the changes but we shall not relax, but it’s actually a wake up call. Whoever is going to play from their side, we are ready to play against them,” he said.

He urged teammates to use the hostile atmosphere as motivation.

“It should be a motivation when you play against teams like Algeria and you have thousands of people on their side.”

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina said preparations have gone well with full attendance in camp.

“Our journey started from Lusaka, where we had the local composition with the three professionals. We trained very well and the response was good. I am very delighted with the overwhelming response of all those we called. Everyone who was on the list has reported,” Lwandamina said.

He said competition for places is intense.

“It is very, very difficult because everyone is putting in a lot of effort,” he said, adding that focus remains on Zambia.

“They still remain in Algeria and we respect everything in this tournament. It is just about how best we prepare ourselves. We have to know what is in our camp, not what is in the other camp.”

Zambia’s Group I campaign is part of the race for the 2027 Pamoja AFCON to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.