Chamanga Believes 2012 Could Be Year of Glory for Chipolopolo At AFCON

ZAMBIA striker James Chamanga believes 2012 could be the year for the Chipolopolo to finally sparkle at the African Cup of Nations finals.

The Chipolopolo will need at least a draw in the final Group C qualifier against Libya on October 8 to reach the Equatorial Guinea/Gabon finals but Chamanga is already dreaming of the team at the continental showpiece.

Chamanga, of Chinese football club Dalian Shide, said experience would be crucial for Zambia’s aspirations for Nations Cup glory. In an interview with Bola Yathu online football magazine, he said Zambia had a good team a blend of youthful talent and experience that had been together for some time.

Chamanga, who has appeared at three Nations Cup finals with two goals to his credit, said he believed he could still play a critical role in in helping Dario Bonetti’s squad perform to expectations at the 2012 Nations Cup. “I think 2012 can be our time, we have a good team that has played together for a long time, he said.

He said the team had experienced players who provide balance like Joseph Musonda, Kennedy Mweene, Noah Chivuta, Collins Mbesuma, Christopher Katongo and Chintu Kampamba. Being one of the senior players in the squad, Chamanga said he had a heavier responsibility to guide youngsters.

Zambia will host Libya at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola and Bonetti described the match the toughest in the qualifiers as any slip up could be fatal for his charges.

Bonetti will announce his 24-man squad on September 26 before camping on October 2. Zambia lead Group C on 12 points, one better than Libya.