Government says it will not take any excuse should the Chipolopolo fail to qualify to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations -AFCON- tournament.

Youth Sport and Arts Minister ELVIS NKANDU says qualification is a must, having missed out on the previous three editions of the continents biggest show piece.

NKANDU says it will be unacceptable for Zambia to miss out on the Ivory Coast edition, which will make it fourth in number should they fail to make the cut.

He says with the draws having been made last week, where Zambia is placed in Group H with host Ivory Coast, Comoros Islands and Lesotho, the country is better placed to qualify.

NKANDU told ZNBC Sports News in an interview that the draw is fair and that no team should be underrated having witnessed Comoros’ performance at the 2020 AFCON tournament held in Cameroon.

He further noted that the Ministry will have a meeting with the Football Association of Zambia-FAZ- and the players to chat the way forward.

The Minister said there is need to foster unity among all stakeholders so that the team should be given the necessary support in a bid to qualify.

NKANDU has since pledged Government’s support towards the team preparation for the Qualifiers that start on the 30th of May as Zambia will be away to Ivory Coast in the opening Group H encounter.

Meanwhile, the Minister has congratulated Red Arrows for being crowned winner of the 2021/2022 MTN Super League season.

He said Arrows showed resilience and fought for the title adding that they will ably represent the country in next season’s CAF Champions league.

ZNBC