Hervé Renard hasn’t switched allegiance — he’s simply making a nostalgic return to Zambia for a friendly match between Ivory Coast and Zambia, scheduled for Saturday. The match will exclusively feature locally-based players from both national leagues.
Key Points:
🇨🇮 Renard, now head coach of Ivory Coast, is leading the Elephants in this warm-up fixture.
🇿🇲 He and assistant Patrice Beaumelle were welcomed warmly in Lusaka, where fans fondly remember their historic 2012 AFCON title win with the Chipolopolo.
🏆 That victory remains one of Zambia’s proudest football moments — especially given it came after a dramatic final against Ivory Coast.
Current Form:
Ivory Coast: 3rd in their AFCON 2015 qualifying group with 6 points.
Zambia: 2nd in theirs with 5 points — both nations are under pressure to improve in the remaining qualifiers.
This friendly serves as a valuable opportunity for both teams to test domestic talent, regain momentum, and — for Renard — enjoy a symbolic reunion with the country where he made history.
