Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone has insisted that Zambia can overcome hosts Morocco when the two sides clash in their final Group A fixture of the Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that belief and attitude will be key.
“We need a positive attitude. Morocco can be beaten,” said Sichone ahead of the highly anticipated encounter in Rabat.
The Zambian tactician played down past meetings between the two nations, arguing that current tournament form matters more than history.
“What matters is not how many times we have played Morocco, but how they have performed at this tournament,” he said.
Morocco were held to a draw by Mali in their last outing, a result that has left Group A wide open. Sichone believes the stalemate underlines the competitiveness of the group and the need for every team to earn qualification on merit.
“The draw by Morocco against Mali means every team must win on its own merit,” he added.
Despite the competitive edge, Sichone was full of praise for the hosts off the pitch, hailing Morocco’s world-class infrastructure and facilities.
“We are happy with the infrastructure here and we hope every African country can emulate what the Moroccans have done,” he said, describing the facilities as a benchmark for African football.
Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala echoed his coach’s confidence, insisting the contest is evenly balanced given the pedigree of both nations.
“It’s a fifty-fifty affair. Zambia and Morocco have both won an AFCON title,” said Sakala.
The decisive Group A clash between Zambia and Morocco kicks off at 21:00 CAT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
Fashion and lemack Banda bench