Zambia coach Herve Renard explained how he learned from seven-time African champions Egypt in guiding his side to their first ever CAN title in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea. Zambia wrapped up a magnificent campaign by beating a star-studded Ivory Coast on penalties to claim the title against all odds. Renard, who was once tipped to coach Cairo giants Ahli, revealed that he followed in Egypt's footsteps by relying on an African-based squad. “Egypt are the best team in Africa and we had to learn from the best because they won so many times with players from their country,” said the Frenchman. “But the Zambian league is not at the same level with Egypt, so we had to take players from South Africa and from Congo. TP Mazembe has seven players from Zambia so it is easy because they understand each other. “It was easy for us because we started a long and difficult preparation early, which would not be very easy with players from Europe. While he rebelled in the triumph of his local contingent, Renard says he would not be unhappy to see them make the grade to Europe. “They have the talent and they can do well, but they have to plan their careers because it is not easy for Zambian players when they are alone.”
