The case against Zambia making an impression at the 2008 African Nations Cup in Ghana is strong.

'Chipolopolo' (Copper Bullets) lack the pedigree of Group C rivals Egypt and Cameroon, which could force them into a struggle with Sudan to avoid finishing bottom of the Kumasi-based mini-league.

And the last four appearances of the southern Africa nation at the biennial tournament have ended in first round exits with three losses against Egypt among the debits.

The 'Pharaohs' have been a bogey side for Zambia, winning four of six Nations Cup showdowns spanning 32 years, and Cameroon won their lone clash with the copper-rich country.

Zambia and Sudan never met largely because the east Africans have qualified for the first time since 1976, and after defeating former title holders Tunisia are unlikely to be pushovers.

But if tradition hints at Zambia coach Patrick Phiri urgently needing the telephone numbers of some sports psychologists, the resilience of 'Chipolopolo' could confound a widespread view that they are doomed to a first-round exit.
Having lost to South Africa and being held by featherweights Chad in home qualifiers, Zambia travelled to Cape Town knowing nothing less than maximum points would earn them a passport to Ghana.
Halfway through the first half, 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa were three goals behind as shabby defending was clinically punished by Denmark-based former soldier Chris Katongo.
He snatched a whirlwind hat-trick and Zambia survived an early second-half onslaught to triumph 3-1 and top the qualifying group with Bafana Bafana (The Boys) squeezing through as one of the best three runners-up.
And Sweden-based midfielder Isaac Chansa, one of many Zambians who played in South Africa before heading for Europe, dismisses fears of a fifth consecutive Nations Cup meltdown.
"We have a chance of qualifying for the knockout phase and even playing in the semi-finals. We are going in as underdogs and might surprise the other teams," he said.
"It is obvious from the way the players, coaches and officials are preparing and the mood in the camp that we will go far. I base my confidence on the effort the guys are putting into training."