17.06.2023 |
Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has called on fans to come in numbers at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to give the team an extra push when they face Ivory Coast this afternoon in a crunch Group H Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
And Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset says the elephants are in Ndola to win as part of their preparations for the tournament that they will host in January next year.
During a media briefing on Friday, a high-spirited Grant said the fans were brilliant during the last two matches against Lesotho and expected them to do the same thing against Ivory Coast.
“We are playing against a very good opponent, I respect them a lot they play very good football, they had a good game. So, it will be a big challenge for our team. We are ready for the challenge; we know where we are and we know where we want to go,” Grant said.
“We are playing at home, I must say the environment last time pushed us like crazy, we came into the second half I remember with all the supporters behind us, it was brilliant, it was like the 12th player. I am sure they will be brilliant this time also the supporters. Football game is not something that sometimes go according to what you want but the target is the same, we need them, and we are happy to make them happy.”
He said that although Ivory Coast was missing star players like Wilfred Zaha and Sebastain Haller, they had other top players to step in.
“They have a big squad, all the players that you are seeing in the squad are in the top three at their clubs so that we know that they are good. No matter who is playing they have fantastic players. Firstly, I am considering how we will play then I will think about the opponents. But no doubt they have a good squad,” Grant said.
The coach thanked the fans and media for their support toward the team.
“Thank for you that are coming, thanks for the support, the media we need, if we lose 5-0 kill us, but it will not happen, but if we get the other result be happy for us and support us, we need everybody in this country. I assure you that the players will give everything including the captain (who had just walked in),” he said.
The Ivory Coast gaffer said his squad would fight to maintain their top position in the group.
Zambian skipper Lubambo Musonda said the players were ready for the game.
“We have had a good time in camp, the past weeks have been intense, but everyone is prepared for the game,” he said.
Ivory Coast captain Serge Aurier admitted that sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to win when you have already qualified for a tournament.
Zambia and Ivory Coast cross swords this afternoon at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at 15:00 hours in a Group H Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Source: FAZ
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