It’s do or die

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 11:53:10 +0000

as Chipolopolo take on Sudan in a CHAN quarter-final

 By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA

ZAMBIA will go head-to-head with Sudan tonight at Stade de Marrakech as both sides hope for a win to book a semi-final spot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

This is the first meeting between the two teams at CHAN level in what is expected to be a competitive match.

Should Zambia win tonight, she will face either Nigeria or Angola in the semi-finals to be played on January 31.

They both come into the game with an unbeaten streak, though Zambia proves to have a sharper frontline with six goals in three matches while Sudan scored only three.

For Zambia, who are chasing their first CHAN title, coach Wedson Nyirenda will not leave anything to chance and make on point tactical decisions.

Nyirenda noted that the North Africans had shown improvement in each game, therefore not an easy side to beat.

“Sudan is one team who look to be getting better as the tournament progresses, so they make a tough opponent. They are tactically strong and determined. But we are ready for them, this is a knock-out stage, the boys won’t leave anything to chance,” he said.

Nyirenda will miss the services of right back Simon Silwimba accruing two yellow cards in group stage matches against Ivory Coast and Namibia.

 Striker Alex Ng’onga will still warm the bench as he is still recuperating from a groin injury while midfielder Godfrey Ngwenya is tipped to make is first feature at the tournament after a knee injury.

Nyirenda will look to Enerst Mbewe, Lazarous Kambole and Augustine Mulenga to replicate their fine form in the three previous matches.

Sudanese mentor Logarusic Zdravko Hrvatsko was confident his side will beat Zambia.

“We are not under-pressure to take on Zambia. Yes, they are a good team but we can handle them,” he said.  

Zambia beat Uganda 3-1 in the opening game, humbled Ivory Coast 2-0 and drew 1-all against Namibia.