Zambia defender Stopilla Sunzu has described the atmosphere at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as electric following Zambia’s 3-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire.
And the 33 year old has thanked the fans for cheering the team to victory.
“I would like to thank fans for the amazing atmosphere. They really pushed us,” the towering China based defender told the ZamFoot Crew in an interview.
Read More: Big Sto! Talking points on the armband, jersey no.13
The 2012 African Cup of Nations winner returned to the national team fold after a 2 year absence.
He nearly produced a faultless performance to keep the West Africans at bay.
“I know a couple of guys like Lubambo (Musonda), Patson (Sakala) from the previous camps so it was easy for me to slot in,” he said.
“Frankie (Musonda) and Tandi (Mwape) are good defenders. We worked as a unit and I enjoyed,” Sunzu even had praise for his defensive partners.
Armband
There were a lot of speculations about whether he was going to get the armband from Lubambo.
“No ways, as I indicated [to the ZamFoot Crew] before the game, I think I have a specific role in the team. I came because the team needed my experience and leadership.
“It’s time for the young ones to have the armband. My role now is to mentor these guys. At the stage I have reached in my career, I am available even if I end up not playing all the games.
What about the jersey no.13?
“It was upto Rodrick (Kabwe). I was ready to have any number at the back. As you said it could have be strange [to see Sunzu in different number] but It doesn’t bother me.
Zambia secured a ticket to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Cote d’Ivoire 2023, after beating the already qualified hosts 3-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday.
Patson Daka and Kings Kangwa’s second half goals added on to a Serge Aurier own goal in the first half, as Avram Grant’s Chipolopolo stormed into the tournament in style. The victory at home pushed Zambia to 12 points top of Group H with one match remaining, two ahead of the Ivorians.
The group is now closed, as only one team could progress from there. The 2012 champions are making a return to the tournament for the first time since 2015 after missing the last three editions.
