‘Football is not played on paper’ – Avram Grant warns Morocco

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has chosen to maintain concentration on his team’s strategy as they embark on their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Grant was appointed as the new coach of Zambia on December 22, 2022, with the primary goal of securing qualification for Africa’s premier football event.

Possessing a distinguished coaching background, Grant has previously managed esteemed clubs like Chelsea, Portsmouth, and West Ham United in the English Premier League.

Additionally, he brings African coaching experience, having led Ghana to an Afcon appearance, and is now determined to achieve success with Zambia.

Zambia players pictured in training ahead of Afcon 2023Football Association of Zambia on Facebook

“I don’t like setting goals before a competition. The most important thing is how you approach your matches. We need to improve. I know it’s a difficult group with Morocco and DR Congo and there are teams better than us but football is not played on paper. When we go on the pitch, it will be to win,” Grant told Caf Online.

“We want to do well in matches. We have to be realistic. With my players, we know what we have to do. Our goal is to do well during the group stage and then we will see.”

Approaching their first match against DR Congo on Wednesday, January 17, Grant expresses his intention to assess the readiness of his players for the challenges ahead in the competition.

“We will see during the first match if my players are ready. But I know they are motivated. We have a good team, great individuals. We will be ready for sure”, concluded the coach.

After their opening match against DR Congo, Zambia are scheduled to face Tanzania on Sunday, January 21.

They will then conclude their group-stage fixtures against Africa’s top-ranked side Morocco on Wednesday, January 24.