Zambia will play her first game against Ethiopia in defense of her title in rainy conditions according to the South African meteorological department.

The Mbombela stadium has been declared ready for the clash despite being drenched in rains today with the forecast showing that Monday will also be a rainy day.

The African champions who arrived in Nelspruit on Sunday are expected to be in good shape for the game and conditions as Herve Renard has taken his charges on to the field in wet weather through the week.

In the last tournament, Zambia struggled to play on a water logged pitch when the dropped points against Arab opposition in a game they drew 2 – 2.

In a related development, president Michael Sata today attended the opening ceremony of the Afcon 2013 tournament.

The head of state who cancelled diner for the team prior to departure for the 2012 tournament is expected to visit the team in Nelspruit before he heads back to Zambia.

-Thanks to zambianfootball.co.zm