By Mubukwanu Kaingu
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has given a preliminary indication of a confidence vote in Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant despite the teams’ early exit from the 2023 AFCON.
Chipolopolo made a group stage exit at the ongoing AFCON Ivory Coast is hosting from January 13 to February 11 after finishing third in Group F on 2 points after wrapping up their Group F campaign last Wednesday with a 1-0 loss to leaders Morocco.
Kamanga said in his weekly column that a lack of big tournament experience was Chipolopolo biggest shortcoming at the 2023 AFCON.
“We will not delve into the technical review of the tournament just yet as the technical bench will duly present a report that will be reviewed,” Kamanga said.
“Overall, there are a lot of positives to build on from the tournament that will see us return better at the next edition.
“We have every reason to believe that the crop of players we have picked up lessons from the AFCON that we will use in the future.
“The 2025 AFCON draw will be held next month, and we will have a clearer idea of the path we will take to returning to the next edition.”
The first round of qualifiers for Morocco 2025 will be played this March.
Grant, who was appointed Zambia coach in December 2022, steered Chipolopolo back to the AFCON after missing three editions held over the past 8 years.
His Zambia record currently stands at five wins, four draws and three defeats from his 11 games in charge.
