Kamanga Looks Ahead To CHAN 2020

As 2020 draws to a close the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is focused on preparations for the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), according to the group’s President Andrew Kamanga. The tournament is scheduled to that kick-off on January 16 in Cameroon. 

Zambia has been drawn in Group B alongside Guinea, Namibia and Tanzania and will open its campaign against the Taifa Stars on January 19, before facing Guinea four days later. The final group game will be on January 27, 2020. 

“As part of preparations for the Cameroon 2020 CHAN (to be staged in 2021) we have lined up some international friendly matches for the senior Men’s National Team. The team is expected to participate in a Four-Nation international tournament that will draw participation from Cameroon, Niger and Uganda. The tournament to be staged in Cameroon with help the team fully acclimatize to the tournament conditions and help sharpen the team ahead of the tournament. Having been part of the last CHAN edition in Morocco where we exited in the quarterfinals, we are aiming to do better this time around. We have liaised with the technical bench to ensure that we give them the necessary support as they campaign at the CHAN. The onus will be on them to deliver to the expectations of Mother Zambia. We are grateful to government for keeping a closer eye on preparations for the CHAN and other engagements,” Kamanga writes. 

Kamanga also welcomed the 24 members of the Zambian Women National team home from Chile where they had been isolated after confirmed Covid-19 cases on December 1, 2020. Six members of the team remain in Santiago after having tested positive despite being in isolation for 14 days.   

“We have been assured by the Chilean authorities who are also collaborating with the Zambian Mission in Brasilia are keen on letting the final batch leave after completing the recommended quarantine. Every decision that has been taken has prioritized the health of the players as health comes first,” Kamanga explained.  

“We are mindful that these are extraordinary times that present situations none of us could ever have anticipated. We must be brave enough to withhold these challenges as football remains one of the few cheerful spots amidst so much despair. Our team will be heading to the CHAN very conscious of the Covid-19 challenges the globe is wallowing in. This exemplifies how much the football community is determined to rise above Covid-19 and truly embrace the ‘New Normal’,” Kamanga concluded.