Zambia sack coach despite Afcon qualification

Italian coach Dario Bonetti has been sacked by the Football Association of Zambia two days after qualifying for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

Zambia topped their group by virtue of a goalless home draw against visiting Libya at the weekend.

The move was termed one of ‘mutual consent’ by both parties but it is clear from reports emanating from Zambia that the country’s football administrators were far from impressed with the result or the manner by which the team obtained it.

Furthermore, the Lusaka Times reports that not only were FAZ members unimpressed but even some of Bonetti’s players secretly lobbied to have the coach dismissed because they felt he was not an inspirational leader and did not know how to get the most out of the side.

The players have gotten their wish and now it will be up to the FAZ to find an adequate replacement as preparations for the 2012 Afcon, which begins in January, are quickly approaching.