…Chipolopolo star Banda says hardwork is key because playing Ivory Coast won’t be easy
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ITALY-BASED Zambia national team winger Lameck Banda says preparations for the crucial 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast are progressing well.
Zambia will host Ivory Coast on June 17 with the aim of getting a positive result to break the jinx of failing to qualify for the AFCON after missing the last two editions of the continental championship.
In an interview with FAZ media, Banda, who features for Lecce in the Italian Serial A said the players are working hard to be part of the players who will play against Ivory Coast.
“Everyone is working hard and everyone is showing that they want to play against Ivory Coast,” Banda said.
The former Buildcon FC midfielder who is part of the 27 players who have reported for camp in South Africa said it is good that the players reported early for camp after the closure of most leagues in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Zambia COSAFA Cup team has set up camp in North Africa where the team is scheduled to play two friendly fixtures against Kuwait and Morocco.
The local Chipolopolo squad led by Kabwe Warriors head gaffer Mumamba Numba will play Kuwait in Cairo today before flying to Casablanca on June 14 ahead of their final friendly against Morocco U23 on June 19 in Rabat.
