Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says his charges are motivated at the prospect of meeting reigning African champions Algeria in Thursday’s TOTAL 2021 (to be played in 2022) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Algeria to be played at the National Heroes stadium in Lusaka.

Addressing a pre-match press conference at National Heroes Stadium ahead of the Group H showdown set for 21:00 hours and live on ZNBC TV 1, Micho said the technical bench had prepared the players adequately for battle and was expectant of a positive result.

“We carry the dreams of millions of Zambians and have no right to let down people but to make them happy,” Micho said.

“The players we have in camp led by captain, Kabaso Chongo are the best of the best, and I want them to turn our words into practical action on Thursday because we believe in them.”

The Serb added that the injection of foreign based players in the team will add a good mix to the squad which is determined to pick maximum points against the North Africans.

“We believe that there is no bigger motivation than playing the African champions. We know what it takes, and we want to put the doubts away with clear ambition. We want to put ourselves intact and mathematically in contention (for the AFCON slot),” Micho said.

Sredojevic heaped praise on the TP Mazembe defender, Chongo for his leadership qualities and experience, stating that he was a good role model to the young players in camp.

“This (Kabaso) is a player that has won so many African accolades and for him, I expect him to be a role model and a good example to the rest of the players.”

Chongo assured the nation that the Chipolopolo will do their best in tomorrow’s penultimate AFCON qualifier match.

Zambia’s next assignment after the Algeria encounter will be an away fixture against Zimbabwe on Monday.