Chipolopolo captain Fashion Sakala believes home support could prove decisive as Zambia prepare to host Burundi in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group I qualifier in Ndola.
Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, the Al-Fayha forward said the presence of a passionate home crowd would provide an additional boost as Zambia target maximum points at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Sakala also urged the media to help generate excitement around the match, expressing confidence that the backing of supporters could lift the team’s morale.
“It is a big advantage for us, definitely having you guys. I hope these cameras will definitely help us to boost the morale as you are going there on social media. We really want you to do the work for us,” he said.
“Definitely having the fans at home, you know, it is like we have more numbers of players on the field. So I am very much confident and I know that they will definitely help us, support and definitely the morale that we get from the fans.”
The skipper also expressed confidence that the Chipolopolo would reward the supporters with a positive result.
“I am very confident that we will give them the result that they deserve,” he added.
Sakala further welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s pledge to purchase match tickets for supporters, describing the gesture as an important show of leadership and commitment to football development.
“I think that really shows that sponsorship starts from the top. We all want to have the President obviously playing a very big role in football. I think football is playing such a very important role to unite the country,” he said.
Zambia head into Friday’s encounter third in Group I with three points, level with Togo, while Algeria lead the standings on four points. Burundi occupy bottom place with one point.
The Chipolopolo host the Swallows at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday, November 13, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT.
