Chipolopolo boss Avram Grant believes the support from the fans will be very important in today’s game.
Grant revealed that in the last home game the supporters played the 12th player role and pushed the team hence he expects them to be as brilliant this afternoon.
The Israeli gaffer is aware of how good the Elephants of Ivory Coast are and he is expecting a tough match.
The 68 year old is however confident that his team are up for the challenge as they know where they want to go.
“We are playing against a very good opponent, I respect them a lot, they play very good football, they had a good game. So, it will be a big challenge for our team. We are ready for the challenge; we know where we are and we know where we want to go,” Grant said.
“We are playing at home, I must say the environment last time pushed us like crazy. We came into the second half. I remember with all the supporters behind us, it was brilliant, it was like the 12th player. I am sure they will be brilliant this time as well as the supporters. Football is not something that sometimes goes according to what you want but the target is the same, we need them, and we are happy to make them happy.”
“Thank you for coming, thanks for the support, the media we need, if we lose 5-0 kill us, but it will not happen, but if we get the other result be happy for us and support us, we need everybody in this country. I assure you that the players will give everything including the captain (who had just walked in),” he added.
He said that although Ivory Coast was missing star players like Wilfred Zaha and Sebastain Haller, they had other top players to step in.
“They have a big squad, all the players that you are seeing in the squad are in the top three at their clubs so that we know that they are good. No matter who is playing they have fantastic players. Firstly, I am considering how we will play, then I will think about the opponents. But no doubt they have a good squad,” Grant said.
Skipper Lubambo Musonda said the players were ready for the game.
“We have had a good time in camp, the past weeks have been intense, but everyone is prepared for the game,” he said.
Zambia and Ivory Coast will go head to head this afternoon at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at 15:00 hours in a Group H Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Zambia need just a point to secure qualification to their first AFCON tournament since 2015.
