Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant says he is not happy with the late arrival of some key players for Thursday evening’s 2023 Africa Cup qualifier against Lesotho, set for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Grant had 25 of the 26 players he called for the Group H match against Lesotho just 48 hours before the tie.
The Israeli said he would have loved to have all the players in camp at least three days before the match.
“According to the situation, the preparations went on well. When the players arrived some of them arrived yesterday, some of them two days ago but I am happy they came with a good spirit,” Grant said.
“They are looking forward to the game. They want of course to win. Of course I am not happy that the player did not arrive three days ago but it is not because of us but FIFA regulation.”
“The most important thing is that players are showing a lot of passion and a lot of spirit,” Grant said.
Midfielder Benson Sakala said Zambia must utilise home advantage against Lesotho at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
“I think we have prepared very well,” Sakala said.
“Coming to the game against Lesotho, not an easy game – playing at home I think we have to use our home advantage of which we will and get maximum points which we need and which the nation needs,” he said.
The match will kick off at 18h00.
Ivory Coast lead Group H with four points followed by Zambia and Comoros, who are tied on three points each.
Lesotho are bottom of the group with one point in two matches played.
