The Chipolopolo stands as the most successful football nation from the Southern African region (COSAFA) in AFCON history. They have appeared in the tournament finals 18 times, collecting a total of six medals.
Zambia will be seeking to qualify for another AFCON final as they start their campaign in a group that contains Algeria, Burundi, and Togo.
Ahead of their matchday one, coach Lwandamina said Zambia would remain focused on its own preparations despite changes to the Algerian squad and technical bench.
After parting ways with Vladimir Petkovic, the Desert Foxes will be under former midfielder Ibrahim Hamdani, who is being assisted by former Algeria defender Antar Yahia.
‘Algeria still the same’
“They still remain Algeria and we respect everything in this tournament. It is just about how best we prepare ourselves,” said Lwandamina as quoted by FAZ Media.
We have to know what is in our camp, not what is in the other camp. Our journey started from Lusaka, where we had the local composition with the three professionals. We trained very well and the response was good.
“I am very delighted with the overwhelming response of all those we called. Everyone who was on the list has reported, which is a positive thing. They have shown that they want to fight for Mother Zambia.”
Lwandamina added the technical bench has also worked on preparing players for the challenge of playing before a large home crowd.
“We have been psyching the players, and the players that we called seem to have a strong emotional fibre,” explained the former ZESCO United tactician.
‘It won’t be an easy game’
Zambia captain Fashion Sakala said the players are looking forward to the encounter after a positive period in camp.
“To be honest, we have a very good team and we’ve been preparing so well for this game. I know it will be a very tough game against Algeria,” said Sakala, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha.
“My first national team game for the senior team was against Algeria at Heroes Stadium and we destroyed them.
“It won’t be an easy game, but we can achieve something big. The biggest dream and the biggest target is to qualify for the Africa Cup.”
Sakala concluded: “We know about the changes but we shall not relax, but it’s actually a wake-up call. Whoever is going to play from their side, we are ready to play against them.”
Meanwhile, Zambia forward Gampani Lungu said the Chipolopolo will not be intimidated by Algeria’s reputation.
“Algeria is obviously a big nation and everyone knows them as one of the big teams on the continent. It is not going to be easy, but I don’t think we should put ourselves under pressure,” warned Lungu.
“At the end of the day, it is 11 versus 11 on the field. Anyone can win, especially nowadays when football has changed. Just because a nation has a big name does not mean they will automatically win.
“It is about the amount of fight we bring on the day. If we come prepared the way we have been preparing, and we all want to fight for each other, cover one another and fight for the nation, we can get Zambia to where it belongs among the top teams on the continent.”
After playing against Algeria, Zambia will return home for their matchday two against Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on September 29th.