The Chipolopolo Boys will start their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign this evening.
Avram Grant will be hoping to start the campaign with a positive result away in Bouake.
The Chipolopolo Boys have only managed one win this year.
The only game Zambia have won in 2024 is an international friendly match against Malawi back in March, 2-1 thanks to goals from Patson Daka and Clatous Chota Chama.
Meanwhile for Ivory Coast, Following the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset midway through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Emerse Fae was thrown straight into the thick of the action, and the 40-year-old made history by becoming the first manager to win an international tournament after being appointed during the competition.
Since beating Nigeria in the AFCON final, Les Elephants have been involved in friendlies against Benin Republic and Uruguay, while also picking up four points from a possible six from World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and most recently, Kenya.
Indeed, Fae’s appointment has led to a change in fortunes for Ivory Coast, who are now unbeaten in eight straight matches dating back to a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Equatorial Guinea, which put the final nail in Gasset’s coffin as manager.
Ivory Coast currently lead the way in their World Cup qualifying group and will now set out to make a winning start to the AFCON qualifiers as they seek to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Egypt who won three titles in a row (2006 , 2008 and 2010).
Grant is expected to start with Lawrence Mulenga in goal with Lubambo Musonda, Gift Mpande, Dominic and Stophila likely to start between the sticks.
Kabaso Chongo, Killian Kanguluma, Tandi Mwape and Zachariah Chilongoshi are also available for selection.
Miguel Chaiwa, Klings Kangwa and Clatous Chota Chama are likely to start in midfield.
Benson Sakala, Kenneth Kasanga, Joseph Sabobo Banda and Chipyoka Songa are also available for selection.
Upfront Kennedy Musonda and Kingston Mutandwa will battle it out for a chance to lead the attack in the absence of Patson Daka who is out nursing an injury. Edward Chilufya is likely to join the attack.
Lameck Banda is Zambia’s most creative player in the team and will be key for the Chipolopolo Boys.
The Lecce man can dribble and create chances for the team.
The two sides square off tonight (Friday) in a Group G, Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier which kicks off at 21:00 hours CAT.
Ivory Coast possible starting lineup:
Fofana; Operi, Ndicka, Boly, Singo; Sangare, Kessie, Seri; Adingra, Haller, Diallo
Zambia possible starting lineup:
Mulenga; Mphande, L Musonda, Sunzu, Chanda; Chaiwa, Kangwa, Clatous Chota Chama; Lameck Banda, K Musonda, Edward Chilufya
Rubber Bullets