Chipolopolo Boys head coach Moses Sichone says his side understands the task at hand and that they are representing millions of Zambians.
The Chipolopolo Boys will open their 2025 AFCON campaign on Monday afternoon against Mali.
Sichone says the Copper Bullets respect Mali but that will end the moment they step on the pitch.
The former Chipolopolo defender says the team is prepared for all the opponents they are going to face and want to get positive results.
“While it is exciting to be here as individuals, we are not forgetting the big task of representing millions of Zambians. We are ambassadors and that’s what I have been telling my players so that they know how important this tournament is, it’s one of the biggest tournaments,” Sichone said.
“You need to respect your opponent, because football is not played on paper, it’s on the pitch. So, of course, you need to respect every country and every opponent that Zambia is going to play against. And, yeah, it’s not going to be easy. And, yeah, we are prepared for each team we are going to face.”
“We know half of the Malian players, they are strong. When we get to the field, I think the respect will end and this is something that I have been emphasizing to my players, so we need to deal with our own preparation and to make sure that we get the positive results,” he added.
Zambia begins its AFCON campaign tomorrow as they look to make a strong statement in their opening game against the Eagles of Mali.
The match will take place tomorrow, December 22, 2025, at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 16:00 local time and will be live on ZNBC and SuperSport.
