Former Striker Jacob Mulenga Sees Bright Future for Chipolopolo Boys at AFCON

Former Striker Jacob Mulenga Sees Bright Future for Chipolopolo Boys at AFCON

Jacob Mulenga, former Chipolopolo Boys striker, expressed confidence in Zambia’s national football team, the Chipolopolo Boys, predicting a successful campaign at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast. Mulenga, who missed the 2012 tournament-winning campaign due to injury, shared his optimism about the current squad led by coach Avram Grant.

Speaking on a Dutch podcast from his base in the Netherlands, where he recently retired from playing with Go Ahead Eagles, Mulenga praised the team’s transition period. He highlighted the fact that many players who won the Africa Cup U20 and performed well at the World Cup have now graduated to the senior team. According to Mulenga, this transition has contributed to the team’s strength, and he expects them to perform well at AFCON.

“We had a good transition period, so I expect them to do well. We have a good squad,” Mulenga commented. He sees Zambia as one of the favorites in the tournament, given the country’s past AFCON victory, but he stressed the importance of mentality in achieving success.

Acknowledging the unique nature of African football, Mulenga emphasized that a single moment can decide the outcome of a match. He described the African competition as very different, with all teams being athletic and fast.

While Mulenga did not disclose specific details about Zambia’s playing style, he mentioned their preference for quick transitions that aim to disrupt opponents’ defensive structures. “We try to get forward as fast as possible, to make sure that the opponent is not in shape when attacking,” he explained.

Zambia’s AFCON campaign kicked off with a crucial match against neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. With Mulenga’s positive outlook and the team’s strong foundation, the Chipolopolo Boys are poised to make a significant impact in this year’s AFCON tournament.