We can learn a lot from Zambia Tshosane

After watching the northern neighbours become only the second Southern African team to lift the continental trophy, Tshosane said it was evident that the Zambians had a comprehensive plan.“We saw something completely different. They did everything right and the confidence was high, something that we have not seen since South Africa won the trophy (in 1996). Probably we should go to them to benchmark.“Their success did not come overnight, clearly, it had been carefully planned,” Tshosane said.

The burly coach took the Zebras to their first ever AFCON finals appearance and bowed out in the first round, without a win, but the team was not short of admirers. Another Southern Africa representative, Angola, also went out in the group stages, leaving Zambia as the sole hope.Zambia caressed their way into the hearts of many neutrals with a stunning 8-7 post-match penalty shootout victory against tournament favourites, Ivory Coast.