Zambia have now achieved their pre-tournament ambition at the Caf Africa Cup of Nations by progressing to Wednesday's semi-final stage, but coach Herve Renard is setting a new target for a side he says is vastly underrated.
A resounding 3-0 win over Sudan in Saturday’s quarter-final in Bata saw the southern African nation into the final four, reviving their reputation among the continent’s elite.
Zambia also beat Senegal and surprising co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Group A, with their only slip so far in the event a 2-2 draw with Libya.
For coach Renard, a first semi-final since 1996 is no surprise, given the experience of his side, who he says has been largely overlooked before and during the tournament.
"I try to go to the web every day to see what is written about us, but all I see is stuff about [former France star and current Mali coach] Alain Giresse," he quipped after goals from Stopilla Sunzu, captain Chris Katongo and James Chamanga secured their semi-final berth over the dogged Sudanese.
"It’s because they don’t know our team in this tournament. Zambia did not rate in any of the predictions. We are under the radar.''
But the 43-year-old France-born former defender insists the Chipolopolo (the Copper Bullets) have the pedigree to put them in the mix for the 12 February final in Libreville, even with favoured Ghana waiting this week.
"Remember, we have been to the finals every time since 2004. There are many players here who are in their fourth successive tournament and have picked up a lot of experience along the way,'' he said with a nod to his previous stint with Zambia in the last continental finals.
"We were unlucky to lose in the quarter-final in 2010, so to get to the semi-finals now is fantastic for us.''