Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), Jan 17 (IANS): Zambian captain Rainford Kalaba has said the team is determined to work hard and recapture the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.

Speaking to Xinhua in an interview at the Malabo International Airport Friday, Kalaba who plies his trade with TP Mazembe in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said they have prepared well and will have a point to prove when the tournament starts, reports Xinhua.

The 2015 AFCON starts Saturday night with two Group A matches on card as hosts Equatorial Guinea face Congo and Gabon battle Burkina Faso, with all matches at the Estadio de Bata.

Chipolopolo as the Zambian team is known will play their first game against DRC Sunday in Ebebiyin. Kalaba said all the 23 players picked for the tournament are determined to perform.

Zambia's head coach Janza has retained only eight players who were part of the 2012 AFCON winning team.

Among those left out of the squad included former skipper Christopher Katongo and James Chamanga. Zambia are drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands and Democratic Republic of Congo in Group B.