Chipolopolo in DR Congo test ahead of AFCON 

The Chipolopolo Boys will face Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) today in a practice match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The two teams will square off  at the Pinata Sports Arena at 17h00 Central African Time. 

Chipolopolo Boys coach Moses Sichone says the team knows what is at stake and how big DR Congo is.  Sichone says the team respects DR Congo but it will be a different scenario on the pitch as they will have to fight. 

The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of a number of foreign players which has created competition in the team. 

“Well, looking at how we have winded up the week, I’m very impressed with the way the training has gone so far and yeah, what we expect from the players. I think everyone knows how important this friendly game is, so we want to set the pace according to our game plan. So yeah, we know Congo is a good team, so playing them, we do respect the achievements of the Congo team, but my emphasis is, yeah, you can respect the team on the paper, but when you get on the field, it’s a different scenario,” he said. 

“It’s a good morale booster for the group they are seeing players Klings, Patson Frankie so at least everyone has seen how the camp has has changed somehow so we’re happy to help them because uh all what i’ve been emphasizing on is uh to create you know competition in the team everyone has to fight for his position and uh yeah even the guys who have joined they have responded well for that.”

Sichone says players will be given a chance if they work hard in training and he has been encouraging the players to compete for numbers. 

“It’s not an easy thing, this is something that we want, we want everyone to fight for his position, so it’s all left here for the coaches . Personally, you know, to make the final decision, it’s not easy.  It’s quite a difficult decision but um this is something that i’ve been telling the players that if we know we have uh everyone is fit and we come up with the first 11 the others have to to support the first 11 and respect the decision from the coaches,” he said. 

“Yeah this is a zambia national team we are talking about and also you know they need to live with that. I never learned it a different way so if you work hard in training you’ll be given a chance and uh i think it’s a good thing since we’ve got these two friendly games. We are looking forward to the next two games and I think it’s a good thing and I’m looking forward to giving each one you know the chance to play,” he added. 

Meanwhile new Chipolopolo Boys captain Fashion Sakala says the Chipolopolo Boys have a very good team that will surprise many teams. 

Sakala has also called on fans to continue supporting the team.

“Yeah, for us, it’s a very important game. I can surely tell you that we have a very good team, a team of young players, you know, players that are not known. I know that a lot of countries will be surprised with the squad that we have. We have a very good team. I’m very confident in each and every player. I’m very excited. Honestly speaking, I can’t wait for the Africa Cup to start. But the most important thing is the game that we have today. I think you’ll be able to judge us according to the results that we’ll get today. But we have a very good team and are ready to compete,” he said.

“ I think for me, I will start with appreciation, of course, just to thank them, to thank each and every Zambian for supporting us, they’ve been very supportive, they’ve been very amazing to us. I will continue asking them to continue supporting us, we are here to make sure that we get the results they deserve. I know Zambians, we love football, and I know that we’ve been very disappointing the past few games, but we won’t stop working hard. The hard-work continues, and we will definitely deliver and give them the results they deserve. And I’m very excited for this game, and obviously the Africa Cup.”