Lwandamina Reacts to 2027 AFCON Qualification Draw

20.05.2025 | Football DNA

George Lwandamina says preparation will be the key factor in determining Zambia’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after the Chipolopolo were drawn in Group I alongside Algeria national football team, Togo national football team and Burundi national football team.

Reacting to the draw, the Chipolopolo coach said every team in the group has an equal opportunity to qualify, but stressed that adequate preparation would make the difference when the qualifiers begin in September.

Lwandamina noted that Zambia possesses players capable of competing against the best teams on the continent, adding that success would depend on how well the team is prepared ahead of the campaign.

The veteran tactician also urged his players to remain humble, united and focused on representing the country with pride.

He called on Zambians to rally behind the national team regardless of differences in opinion over player selections, saying support from the public would give the team an extra push during the qualification journey.

Zambia has been placed in Group I for the qualification race to the TotalEnergies AFCON Pamoja 2027 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The qualification campaign will begin during the FIFA international window scheduled for September and October 2026, with subsequent fixtures set for November 2026 and March 2027.

The final tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027.