Chipolopolo Trio Sound Confident Ahead of Algeria Qualifying Opener
Chipolopolo midfielder Miguel Chaiwa, defender Ricky Chanda and defender Mathews Banda have all shared their thoughts on Zambia’s build-up as the team fine-tunes preparations for Friday’s crucial 2027 AFCON Group I qualifier against Algeria.
Chaiwa struck an upbeat tone, describing camp as productive and insisting the squad’s sights are firmly set on a maximum-points start to the campaign. “The mood in camp is well and good. So much is expected from us as players and we have been working extra hard to come and get the maximum points that we need,” he said.
The experienced midfielder also emphasised the importance of rallying around the newer additions to the squad, stressing that helping fresh faces settle in quickly will be key to Zambia hitting the ground running.
Chanda Fighting for His Shot
For Chanda, this camp carries extra significance — it marks his first-ever senior call-up, and he’s making sure every training session counts as he battles for a starting spot. “I’m pushing 100 percent in every session we are given. Winning starts from training,” the defender said, underlining the work ethic he hopes will catch the coaching staff’s eye.
He also had a message for the Chipolopolo faithful, urging supporters to trust the group and promising the players will leave everything on the pitch when it matters most.
Banda: “Every Game Starts at Nil-Nil”
Fellow defender Mathews Banda took a more measured view of Friday’s assignment, reminding fans that form and reputation count for little once the whistle blows. “Every game starts at nil nil, so it’s up to how each team plays that will determine the result,” he said — a reflection of the quiet confidence running through the Zambian camp despite the size of the task against a strong Algerian side.
With spirits high and competition for places intensifying, Zambia will be hoping that hard work in training translates into a statement result as their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign gets underway.
