Chipolopolo Boys forward Chanka Zimba says Zambia are determined to make a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they face Algeria on Friday.
Zimba is part of the Zambia squad preparing for back-to-back Group I qualifiers against Algeria and Togo, with the Chipolopolo holding their first training session in Algeria on Sunday afternoon.
The forward, who has been recalled to the national team, said he was delighted to have another opportunity to represent his country.
“I’m very proud. The last time was good and to be called again, I feel very happy. To represent my country is a big thing for me. I’m very happy to be here,” Zimba said.
Zambia will take on Algeria away on Friday before returning home to host Togo at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 29 September.
Zimba says the team have travelled to Algeria with victory in mind and will be targeting another positive result against Togo.
“We have some important games to come. We are here in Algeria to do our best, we want to win and at home against Togo, we are aiming to win as well,” he added.
Algeria possess a number of experienced players, but Zimba believes Zambia have the quality to compete if they can quickly build an understanding as a team.
“They have good players, we also have good players. We need to find a formula to work together and get the best results and I believe we can do that,” he said.
The Chipolopolo are in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi, with the qualifying campaign providing a route to the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Zambia’s preparations will continue in Algeria ahead of Friday’s opening fixture.
