Zambia captain Fashion Sakala says the Chipolopolo are determined to respond to their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeat to Algeria when they face Togo on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia began their Group I campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Algeria on Friday, leaving George Lwandamina’s side needing a positive result at home as they look to get their qualification campaign back on track. Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Sakala said the team remains highly motivated and promised supporters a different performance against Togo.
“The team is ready; we are ready to fight in tomorrow’s game. The confidence and the motivation that we have in the team is very high,” Sakala said.
The Al-Fayha forward acknowledged Zambia’s defeat in Algeria but stressed that the circumstances were different, with the Chipolopolo now returning home to play in front of their supporters.
“We understand we lost against Algeria. That was an away game and they had their fans at home,” he said.
Sakala knows the importance of collecting maximum points against Togo, particularly with Zambia also competing in a group that includes Algeria and Burundi. The captain expressed strong confidence that the Chipolopolo will deliver a response on home soil.
“If we want to qualify, we have to win this game. We will definitely win tomorrow, no doubt about it. We will try to give our best. Everyone will see a very different game tomorrow. I am very confident about that.”
The Zambia captain also highlighted the role supporters could play in helping the team secure the desired result. With the match taking place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Sakala expects the Chipolopolo to receive strong backing from the stands.
“It is a very important game because we are playing at home with fans behind us. I know that definitely the stadium will be full,” he said.
“Zambian people have never disappointed us when it comes to support.”
Sakala also addressed criticism surrounding his individual performances, insisting that scrutiny is part of football and something he has learned to handle during his lengthy career at the highest level.
“Criticism on me as an individual, I don’t really pay attention to that,” Sakala said.
The Zambia captain said his experience and longevity in professional football are a product of sustained hard work and commitment, adding that he prefers to focus on the team rather than himself.
“I think I have been playing football for many years. I am going in my 13th year at this level and that should show that there has been a lot of hard work and commitment behind the scenes,” he said.
“I think people will criticise me, but they should also see how long I have been in the game. I have tried my best. I do not like to talk about myself; I prefer to talk about the team, but since this question is about me, I will answer it.”
Rather than allowing criticism to affect him negatively, Sakala said it has contributed to his determination to continue working hard and improving.
“It has built me. It has given me courage and confidence to work hard for each and every game,” he said.
Sakala added that he remains proud of the journey that has taken him to his current level, pointing to the work and commitment required to sustain a career at the top level.
“To be honest, I am very proud of myself, looking at where I am coming from to where I am. It shows that I have really worked very hard.”
Zambia will face Togo on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. Tickets are available through the FAZ TechPay platform, with prices set at K50 for the North, South and East stands, K250 for the West stand and K500 for VIP.
