Chan a platform for Zambia to export players — Grant

Zambia’s senior national football team coach Avram Grant has described the forthcoming African Nations Championship (Chan) finals in Morocco as a perfect platform for the Chipolopolo players to secure oversees’ moves.

The former Chelsea mentor said the tournament for home-based players augurs well with his vision of developing more Zambian players capable of playing for top European teams.

“We don't have many players in Europe,” the Israeli is quoted as saying by Zambia FA media after visiting the team’s camp on Wednesday.

“I hope that we will have more through even this competition. Because there are good players in Zambia, but they need to be polished and developed.”

Grant admitted that Chipolopolo were in a tough group A at Chan comprising the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Morocco and Kenya. He, therefore, called for more focus and a winning mentality.

“We have a tough, tough group, as I understand. Very tough group. So what? Our target is to be tough to the other teams,” Grant said.

“I don't think the opponent is important. It is more important what we will do. We want to develop these players. We want to create a team. We want to create a winning mentality. In addition, as I said, I came to Zambia to do something for the long term, not only for the short term. For the short term it's okay.”

Zambia’s first game at Chan will be against Congo DR on 7 August before taking on Angola three days later, followed by a meeting with Morocco and Kenya on 14 and 17 August respectively.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Chan coach Wedson Nyirenda has drafted in the squad striker Ricky Banda following his exit from Sudanese giants Al Merreikh.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the Chan finals from 2 to 30 August 2025.