The 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Equatorial Guinea this Saturday.
Two years ago, Zambia finished third in a group that had Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and eventual champions Nigeria.
The Chipolopolo were eliminated in the first round.
A year before, Zambia defied odds to lift the trophy in Libreville, Gabon. It was an emotional victory considering that the Chipolopolo triumphed in the country where their brothers died in a plane crash on their way to Senegal for a World Cup qualifier on April 28, 1993.
While the 2012 win was memorable going by the opponents the Chipolopolo eliminated along the way, including defeating the Elephants of Ivory Coast in the final, 2013 left a sour tinge in the mouths of the Zambian fans.
Zambia, as champions, put up a disjointed display that did not mimick any of the 2012 prowess.
It is a year Chipolopolo followers do not want to remember.
Let us hope the technical bench and the players have sealed loopholes that led to the group stage elimination in South Africa.
Zambians expect the Chipolopolo to ‘punch above their weight’ in Equatorial Guinea.
I know that coach Honour Janza has fused in some young players who are still trying to negotiate their way on the international stage.
I am aware Ronald Kampamba, Bruce Musakanya, Spencer Sautu, Lubambo Musonda, Donashano Malama, Jackson Mwanza, and Patrick Ngoma, Christopher Munthali, Roderick Kabwe and Kondwani Mtonga will be making their debut at the Africa Cup of Nations but I expect the Chipolopolo to finish among the top eight.
Kennedy Mweene, Davies Nkausu, Stopilla Sunzu, Nathan Sinkala, Chisamba Lungu, Emmanuel Mayuka, Evans Kangwa, Rainford Kalaba and Joshua Titima are all Africa Cup winners who have experience to guide Zambia to the second African title.
With determination, anything is possible and we can do it. I know Africa’s top-ranked team Algeria are favourites to lift the trophy but the north Africans could succumb with the right approach.
Herve Renard-tutored Ivory Coast, Avram Grant-drilled Ghana and Cameroon are the other favourites for the coveted trophy. But all these teams are aware that Zambia poses a threat.
The Chipolopolo should have self-confidence starting with Sunday’s clash against neighbours Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
There is no need to be intimidated because we know the system of play of Cape Verde, DRC and Tunisia.
For DRC, skipper Kalaba and striker Given Singuluma are goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba’s teammates at TP Mazembe. The two know Kidiaba’s strengths and weaknesses and this will work to Zambia’s advantage.
As the Chipolopolo jump on the plane to Equatorial Guinea today, they should know that the 12.5 million Zambians are rallying behind them.
Victory on Sunday will inspire Zambians to turn up in numbers to vote in the presidential election on January 20.