Mon, 08 Jan 2018 13:41:56 +0000
By GRACE CHAILE
LESOETSA
WITH four days remaining to the Morocco African Championship (CHAN), the Chipolopolo team displayed a promising performance during a practice match against Division One side Circuit City whom they beat 5-1 at Nkoloma Stadium yesterday.
The Zambian team which is expected to leave for Morocco today, showed precision in the frontline which had Friday Samu, Enerst Mbewe, Jack Chirwa and Lazarous Kambole in the first eleven of the opening practice match.
Ziyo Tembo led the backline with Adrian Chama, Fackson Kampumbu and Simon Silwimba.
Chirwa scored a brace while Kambole , Samu and Alex Ngónga contributed a goal each while Nathan Sakumba pulled one back for Circuit City.
Mbewe looked to be in form with his quick and accurate passes, and blended well with Chirwa and Kambole.
Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata was confident in goal while Allan Chibwe conceded the only goal. Mike Katiba, Larry Bwalya and Martin Phiri were also impressive on ball and strong endurance. The Chipolopolo are yet to play an international friendly. They are in Group B with Uganda, Namibia and Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, fans have called for FAZ to ensure the Chipolopolo team plays at least two friendlies against strong teams for adequate preparation.
Chipolopolo Fans Association patron Yotam Mwanza said that Coach Wedson Nyirenda had a good squad but needed friendlies to assess the team.
Mwanza was confident the team would perform exceptionally well at the tournament.
“The team has been in camp for quiet sometime now and it’s time to go for an assessment through friendlies matches with strong sides. I believe Zambia can do well at the tournament and obviously win the championship,” he said.
He called on Zambians to rally behind the team throughout the tournament.
“We all need to support the team, they need our motivation. If we believe in them they will play well,” he said.
The CHAN tournament starts on January 13 to February 4, with Zambia facing Uganda in the opening match this Sunday.
