28.01.2024 | Football in my DNA
Following their elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, a group of Zambian local players returned home on Saturday to a muted reception, despite putting up a spirited fight in their debut tournament.
Having missed the past three editions of the competition, Zambia's inexperienced team finished third in Group F behind Morocco and DR Congo, drawing two games and losing one. The first group of players landed at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport early on Saturday morning, with the last group arriving around 2 pm.
Most international-based players returned directly to their respective clubs, leaving only a handful who touched down in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Coach Avram Grant remained in Dubai, with the Zambian league still on break until next month. The former Israeli head coach will use this time to plan for Zambia's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, starting with a June fixture against Morocco in Morocco itself.
He will also begin preparations for the next Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, hosted in Morocco next year. After missing out on the tournament in recent years, Zambia aims to qualify for back-to-back appearances after their taste of the competition in Côte d'Ivoire.
Grant's record with the Chipolopolo Boys remains impressive, with only two defeats in official matches since his appointment in 2022. The former Chelsea manager has demonstrably improved the team and hopes to build on that foundation going forward.
Despite the quieter return home, Zambia can take pride in their performance at the AFCON. The young players gained valuable experience, and the future of Zambian football looks bright.
Credit: Zed Sport
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