Chipolopolo Coach Speaks to CAFOnline Ahead of AFCON 2025

29.10.2025 | Football DNA

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has expressed confidence that the Chipolopolo are ready to make a strong impression at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Speaking to CAFOnline.com, Grant said the team was approaching the tournament with a sense of ambition and realism, adding that proper preparation and team unity would be crucial if Zambia were to reach the knockout stages.

“We’re preparing properly this time,” Grant stated. “At the last AFCON, we missed the knockouts by just a point after training for only five days. This time, we’re focused, organised, and determined to do better.”

A Tough Group, but a Welcome Challenge

The Chipolopolo are drawn in a competitive Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros, a group Grant described as “one of the most challenging in the tournament.”

He admitted that Zambia had been paired with some of the strongest teams from each seeding pot, but he viewed the draw as a motivating factor rather than a disadvantage.

“It’s a very tough group. From each seeding pot, we probably drew the strongest team — Morocco from Pot 1, Mali from Pot 2, and Comoros from Pot 4, who have improved a lot,” he said. “But it’s a good challenge. We respect every opponent, but we also know it’s never easy to play against us.”

Grant stressed that Zambia’s focus would be on executing their football principles rather than worrying about the strength of their opponents.

“Even if an opponent looks stronger on paper, that doesn’t decide the result,” he explained. “Our target is clear football principles — good football, strong mentality, and teamwork. We’ll take it one step at a time: qualify from the group, then in the knockouts, anything can happen.”

Focus on Team Spirit Over Individual Stars

While fans often get excited about attacking combinations like Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Lameck Banda, Grant preferred to keep attention on the collective strength of the squad rather than on individuals.

“Tournaments always produce a surprise,” he said. “We have a good squad with young players who could be highlights — but you never know who explodes until the games start.”

Grant noted that the game had evolved since Zambia’s 2012 AFCON triumph, saying that while that generation had more players based in Europe, the current squad’s success would depend on unity and structure.

“Football has changed a lot — it’s more dynamic and intense now,” he reflected. “In 2012, many of Zambia’s players were stars at their clubs. Today, fewer of ours are in Europe; that’s why our star must be the team. The collective must be strong.”

Preparing the Right Way

Grant revealed that Zambia’s final build-up would include a short training camp with two international friendlies, and possibly a mini-tournament in November depending on the schedule.

“We’re finalising a short camp with two friendlies,” he said. “There’s also an option to join a mini friendly tournament in November if our schedule allows. The important thing is to use every training day well and get the group fully together.”

The coach also praised his technical and fitness staff, highlighting the work of Jaimie Lawrence, Zambia’s fitness coach, in ensuring that players remained sharp throughout the tournament.

“We work on this all the time,” Grant explained. “Our fitness coach, Jaimie Lawrence, and the performance staff analyse everything — loads, recovery, every minute of training. The modern game demands freshness, and we plan for it.”

Progress and Future Goals

Reflecting on his time with the team, Grant said he was proud of the progress made since he took charge. He believes Zambia are building a solid foundation for future success.

“We’ve qualified in back-to-back cycles after a long gap — that’s progress,” he said. “Most of this team can play six or seven more years. The group is improving; in our last seven games, we lost only once. We want to continue that.”

Respect for Comoros and the Fans’ Role

When asked about Comoros, one of the group’s underdogs, Grant said the island nation could not be underestimated.

“They’ve improved a lot, added quality from their diaspora, and formed a very good team,” he noted. “If you switch off, they punish you. We respect them.”

He also took a moment to recognise Zambia’s passionate fan base, whose support he described as “incredible.”

“They’re fantastic,” Grant said. “In Ndola they push us like crazy, and even in Tanzania they were louder than the home crowd. Keep that energy — it matters to the players.”

Looking Ahead

As Zambia prepare for their AFCON opener, Grant insists that the focus remains on steady progress, collective effort, and national pride.

When asked what headline he would love to read at the end of the tournament, Grant smiled and replied simply:

“They did their best.”