Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has promised to welcome the country's national soccer team at airport and host them a dinner at State House if the squad win the trophy of African Nationas Cup which is scheduled to kick off on Friday in Egypt.

Clad in sports attire, the president gave the words of encouragement when the national team met him in Cairo Wednesday night when he was on a three-day state visit to Egypt.

"I am certain that you will come back with the trophy," Mwanawasa was quoted by Zambian News and Information Services (ZANIS) as saying.

He however added that even if the team lost he would also invite them to the State House for a dinner.

The president also wrote encouragement letter to each player and the technical team in addition to the verbal chat with them, the ZANIS reported.

A total of 16 national teams in four groups will participate in the biennial top soccer event in Africa from Jan. 20 to Feb. 10.

Zambia in Group C will meet South Africa, Guinea and 2004 champion Tunisia.

Lead by Kalusha Bwalya, the team, dubbed as Chipoloplo, won runner-up in 1994 and qualified 12 times but never managed to win the trophy.

Source: Xinhua