Zambian national team switching hotels

Published Jan. 19, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Zambia's team had to switch hotels just two days before their opening game at the African Cup of Nations after coach Herve Renard complained the original accommodations were unworthy of a major tournament.

Renard told The Associated Press that the team woke up on Thursday ''determined'' to change hotels, and moved in the afternoon.

''The first hotel we got was not of the standing of the Africa Cup of Nations - I think people have to have respect for the Zambian national team,'' Renard said. ''It's not our first qualification. ... Maybe we are not the best, maybe we are not a team with a big name but we deserve respect.''

The French coach earlier told France's RMC radio that he blamed Zambia's football federation for poor organization. He told the radio station ''there are people in our federation who didn't do their jobs.''

Zambia plays highly rated Senegal in Group A on the opening day of matches on Saturday.