Zambia will approach their final Group A fixture against hosts Morocco knowing that only a win will keep their Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive, according to head coach Moses Sichone, who set out his expectations in Rabat on Sunday.
With qualification hanging in the balance ahead of Monday night’s decisive clash, the Zambian coach made it clear that his side cannot afford to be cautious.
Facing a Moroccan team backed by home support, Sichone said his players are fully aware of the scale of the task, but remain convinced that they can rise to the occasion.
“We are ready to play against Morocco and we know that the match will be difficult against a solid team playing at home,” Sichone stressed during the pre-match press conference.
The former international outlined the key areas he believes will define the contest, insisting that composure and belief will be crucial if Zambia are to extend their stay in the tournament.
“We need to manage this match well and the players need to show their talents and be motivated to make a difference,” Sichone said.
For Sichone, the psychological approach will be just as important as the tactical plan.
“We need to have a winning mentality to be able to move forward and we also need to fight to achieve a good result,” he analyzed, underlining that his side must be proactive rather than reactive.
Zambia go into the fixture aware that anything less than three points would almost certainly spell the end of their hopes.
With Morocco leading the group and Mali also in the hunt, the pressure is squarely on the Chipolopolo to produce their best performance of the competition so far.
Midfielder Fashion Sakala echoed his coach’s confidence, suggesting that the squad has the character and quality to trouble the hosts.
“We have the necessary determination to play a good match. We must be focused and ready to succeed against Morocco,” Sichone said.
Sakala also pointed to the depth within the Zambian camp, arguing that the team is not short of players capable of turning the game in their favour.
“We have very good players in our squad who can make the difference against Morocco,” Sichone stated.
The mood in the Zambian camp, therefore, is one of resolve rather than resignation.
Despite the daunting prospect of facing a side that has been among the favourites to lift the trophy, Sichone’s words reflected a belief that pressure situations can bring out the best in his players.
Monday’s encounter is set to be a defining moment for Zambia’s tournament, not only in terms of qualification but also in how the squad measures itself against one of the continent’s most formidable teams.
For Morocco, the aim is to consolidate top spot, but for Zambia the objective is starker: victory or elimination.
As the final round of Group A matches approaches, the stakes could hardly be higher.
Sichone’s insistence on a “winning mentality” sums up the challenge his side face — to embrace the difficulty of the occasion, harness their determination, and attempt to write a memorable chapter in their Africa Cup of Nations journey.
