Patrick Phiri says Zambia are in 'group of death'

Zambia coach Patrick Phiri believes the Chipolopolo have a hard task on their hands at the Nations Cup early next year.

"It is very evident we're in the group of death," Phiri told BBC Sport.

"Egypt and Cameroon are the giants of Africa. Sudan has improved although they were last in the finals 30 years ago, but they've been playing well, so you can't afford to underrate any team at the African finals."

While Phiri is careful to show respect to his Group C opponents, he has no doubt that his team can finish in the top two.

"That's the aim. We have to be confident that we can," he said.

Zambia sealed their position as winners of their qualifying group with a surprise 3-1 away victory to South Africa and expects his charges to deliver more of the same.

"We are looking forward to continuing those surprises.

"We worked very hard for that game in South Africa and I hope we will do the same in Ghana."

As far as the Chipolopolo coach is concerned, preparation will be the key to success.

"If everything goes well and you work as a team, the sky is the limit."

Next week, Zamba have a repeat encounter with South Africa in the Cosafa Cup Final and the coach sees it as the first step of many in their preparation for the African showpiece next year.

"We are grateful to Cosafa because by playing this game, we can prepare effectively for the African finals.

"Also we are taking this game very seriously because it's one way we can broaden our base of selection."