Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant is looking forward to returning to the African Cup of Nations tournament. Grant, who qualified the Chipolopolo to the 2023 Africa Cup in Ivory Coast after missing out three times on the trot, said he loves pressure because it pushes him to achieve. During the unveiling of the 24-man squad for the upcoming back to back 2025 Morocco Group G Africa Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast in Ndola next Friday and Sierra Leone on November 19, Grant also said there is still room for players who have not been invited for the two upcoming fixtures.
“I never ignore the pressure. I love pressure. Pressure will push you to achieve things,’’ Grant said.
The Israeli gaffer said he likes history and is looking forward to taking back the Chipolopolo to the Africa Cup. ‘’I like history. I hope to get a back to back Africa Cup qualification.
’’ On the sidelined players, Grant said:‘’The door is still open to players who will show quality, passion and desire to play for the national team”. With some key players sidelined by injuries, Grant said injuries are part of football and he has picked players who will help the Chipolopolo deliver. ‘’ I have always stated that I want players to give me a selection headache”he said Missing from the team announced this morning include England-based striker Patson Daka of Leicester City.
Saudi Arabia domiciled Fashion Sakala is still not part of Grant’s team. Conspicuously missing too is striker Kingston M.