Mistakes Cost Zambia in AFCON Warm-Up, But Coach Stays Positive

Zambia head coach Moses Sichone has backed goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga after an error contributed to the team’s 2-0 friendly defeat to DR Congo on Tuesday.

Despite the pre-Africa Cup of Nations loss, Sichone highlighted several positives from the Chipolopolo Boys’ performance.

“First and foremost, I want to congratulate the players despite the result,” Sichone said. “I saw a team that really wanted to win the game. We played according to our plans.”

He acknowledged that mistakes were costly but emphasized they are part of football. “Mistakes are there to be made by players… But I’m happy that after the mistake, the boys didn’t drop their heads. This is football.”

Sichone also pointed to missed opportunities, saying, “I saw a team which created chances. It was unfortunate that we did not utilize those chances.”

The match provided a chance to integrate new players, with the coach praising young talents like David Simukonda, Matthews Banda and David Hamasenya. “They did well… We are there as coaches—to encourage them and show them where they went wrong.”

Zambia now turns its attention to the Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Morocco, Mali and Comoros in Group F. Their tournament begins on Monday against Mali (16:00 kick-off).