Former Chipolopolo Boys striker Jacob Mulenga is confident that Zambia will go far at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast, praising the current Avram Grant-led squad as a "good" one. Mulenga, who missed the 2012 tournament-winning campaign through injury, spoke on a Dutch podcast from his Netherlands base, where he recently retired from playing with Go Ahead Eagles. He highlighted the team's transition period after missing the previous three AFCON editions. "Most of the kids who won the Africa Cup U20 and did well at the World Cup have now graduated to the senior team," Mulenga said. "We had a good transition period, so I expect them to do well. We have a good squad." The former Châteauroux attacker believes Zambia's past AFCON victory makes them a contender in Ivory Coast, but emphasized the importance of mentality. "We are one of the favourites, we have won it before. It's about a mentality," he stated. He acknowledged the unique nature of African football compared to the World Cup, noting that a single moment can decide the outcome. "Everyone is so athletic, so fast," Mulenga explained. "It's one moment that changes everything. The African competition is very different." While remaining tight-lipped about Zambia's playing style, Mulenga disclosed their preference for quick transitions that disrupt opponents' defensive structure. "We try to get forward as fast as possible, to make sure that the opponent is not in shape when attacking," he said. Zambia's crucial campaign opener against neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo takes place tomorrow at 10:00 PM Zambian time. With Mulenga's optimistic outlook and the team's strong foundation, the Chipolopolo Boys are primed to make a significant impact at this year's AFCON.