Zambia coach Avram Grant has said he wants his side to win their Group F opener against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday.
Grant, who has never been ousted from the competition’s group stage, having reached the final and semifinals with Ghana in 2015 and 2017, respectively, admits Zambia is in a tough group, but he is certain his team is on track to compete.
“The game is important; the tournament will be important; nothing will be decided after the first game, but it is important to open the tournament in the best way we can,” said Grant.
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“I think we are in a very tough group and our first opponents (Congo DR) are a very good team, but our target is also to show a good team and continue with our progress in the last year that we did. We have a very balanced team; that is what we wanted to do, and we try to play as a team, which is our strength.”
The 68-year-old gaffer will look to challenge for the title again after his heartbreaking loss with Ghana in the 2015 final which saw Ivory Coast lift the prestigious trophy. Zambia will begin their campaign in San Pedro before facing Tanzania four days later and concluding their ground-stage matches against the Atlas Lions.
- Additional reporting Bola News.