adminHe took Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) to the last eight in Angola two years ago and they created enough chances to down the Nigerian Super Eagles before failing in a penalty shootout. Renard left to coach Angola and Algerian club USMA before answering an SOS from his former employers last October when Italian Dario Bonetti was sacked two days after securing Cup of Nations qualification.
“We can compete against anybody, we are now getting to a state where we are better than we were in Angola two years ago,” boasted the handler after naming his 23-man squad.
“When you watch the players in action, you can see the commitment, hard work and determination. We are focused, disciplined and ready,” he added ahead of Group A fixtures against Senegal, Libya and Equatorial Guinea this month. “Everything is possible in football and although Zambia are not among the favourites, we can pull a surprise and win the Cup. All we need is hard work and commitment.”
Factfile
Qualifying results: Comoros Islands 4-0 2-1, Libya 0-0 0-1, Mozambique 3-0 2-0, Scorers: 3 – Chris Katongo, Emmanuel Mayuka, 2 – James Chamanga, 1 – Rainford Kalaba, Collins Mbesuma, Fwayo Tembo, Captain: Christopher Katongo, Coach: Herve Renard (FRA)
Rankings: Caf 17, Fifa 79
Nickname: Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets)
Previous appearances: 1974 – runners-up, 1978 – first round, 1982 – third, 1986 – first round, 1990 – third, 1992 – quarter-finals, 1994 – runners-up, 1996 – third, 1998 – first round, 2000- first round, 2002 – first round, 2006 – first round, 2008 – first round, 2010 – quarter-finals
Record: P55 W22 D13 L20 F68 A61
Record win: Burkina Faso 5-1, loss: Cameroon 1-5 – AFP.
Online Reporter
- Herald
- June 1, 2026
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