Chipolopolo interim coach George Lwandamina says all the four teams in Group I of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have a chance of reaching the finals.
Zambia, Algeria, Togo and Burundi were on Tuesday drawn in Group I of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
During the draws conducted in Cairo, Egypt, the Chipolopolo were in the second pot and had booked a date with Algeria with whom they faced in the race for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Commenting on the draws, Lwandamina said Zambia had players who can compete with the best teams on the continent.
Lwandamina told FAZ Media:“Draws are drawn and not pointed. So, it means that we all have chance. It all goes about preparation.”
The Nchanga Rangers coach said adequate preparation would be key as Zambia seek to make a second consecutive AFCON appearance after a lengthy absence.
“The team that will prepare adequately, I am sure that’s the team that will pose threat to us, if that is, we don’t prepare well,” Lwandamina said.
He challenged Chipolopolo stars to be focused when the qualifiers kick off in September.
“They have to remove pride and embrace one Zambia. We only have Zambia as our country. So, we have to fight for our mother Zambia,” Lwandamina said.
“We have players who can compete. What is just important is how much preparation will be given to the team,” he said.
He rallied support for Chipolopolo.
“We are all Zambians and we only have one Zambia. So, everyone should rally behind the team. I am sure selections cannot please everybody. But we have to push in one direction. Whether happy, unhappy, we are all Zambians,” Lwandamina said.
Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda will jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa.
Top two teams in nine of the 12 groups will qualify for the Total Energies AFCON Pamoja 2027.
Groups D, H, L in which joint hosting nations appear will have to battle for one slot.
Togo and Zambia last faced-off in the race for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Zambia is among 48 Teams, including the three co-hosts, that will participate in the qualifiers.
According to the roadmap the first two qualifying games will be played between 21 September and 6 October 2026.
Matchdays 3 and 4 are scheduled for 9-17 November 2026 and the final matchdays 5 and 6 will be from 22-30 March 2027.
The final tournament will be played from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
The AFCON is returning to the East African region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the AFCON in 1976.
Chipolopolo equal to Algeria challenge – Lwandamina
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Ba LT you are fantastic picture mix uppers. If you think that is Lwandamina you must never apply for a job at the Red Brick. You could assassinate the wrong target