We will build a formidable team before 2025 AFCON – Zambia assistant coach Perry Mutapa

Zambia assistant coach Perry Mutapa says Saturday’s 3–1 loss to South Africa offered more encouragement than disappointment, insisting the match delivered valuable lessons as Chipolopolo step up preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia were outmuscled by a more experienced Bafana Bafana side at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but Mutapa believes the exercise served its purpose, particularly in assessing new players and experimental line-ups ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

He highlighted the performances of several debutants, noting that the youthful midfield showed maturity despite facing seasoned opponents.

“The positives are the new boys who’ve just played their first game for Zambia. You could see the youngsters in midfield gave everything, and that’s encouraging for us,” Mutapa told SABC Sport. “We tested new combinations and introduced players who’ve never been at this level before.”

Mutapa acknowledged the challenge of matching South Africa’s experienced core, pointing out the gulf in caps between the teams.

“It’s not easy going up against players like Mokoena, who I think played his 50th game today, and others with over 100 games combined. Our boys were making their first appearances, and they held their own. For us, that’s a win.”

He added that the technical team will continue to refine the squad, confident that the lessons from the weekend will sharpen their AFCON preparations.

“We’re going to work hard. This has given us a clearer picture, especially with the new defensive combinations we tried. It’s an eye-opener, and we believe in the group we’re building,” he said.

“By the time AFCON comes around, we’ll have a formidable team.”