FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga revealed that Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant is working in the background, quietly plotting Ivory Coast’s downfall.
Grant has been missing in the public eye and was a notable absentee at the ABSA Cup final between Forest Rangers and MUZA at Woodland Stadium. His absence has been noticed, with a number of fans questioning his whereabouts.
However, Kamanga has eased the fears in his Monday column dubbed the President’s Corner.
Zambia plays Ivory Coast on June 17 in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“Coach Avram Grant and his technical bench have as always been quietly working in the background to ensure that the team is ready for the assignment,” Kamanga said.
Zambia are second in Group H with 9 points, one behind leaders Ivory Coast and six better than third-placed Comoros.
Chipolopolo need a minimum of a point from the remaining six games to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2015.
Kamanga said the team will regroup for preparations soon.
“The Chipolopolo regroup in the next few days with an international camp laid out to help prepare for the June 17 Ivory Coast 2023 (to be played in 2024) Africa Cup of Nations penultimate clash with Côte d’Ivoire in Ndola,” Kamanga said.
“By any measure, the plan is to secure qualification on home soil as a thank you for everyone who has toiled so hard to help the team reach this far,” Kamanga said.
