By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA Under-17 national soccer team’s quest to break the jinx of failing to go past the group stage at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations faces its final test today when the side take on Morocco in their final group B fixture at Stade du 19-mai-1956 in Annaba, Algeria.
After two consecutive defeats to Nigeria and South Africa, the Ian Bakala-tutored Junior Chipolopolo who are technically out of the competition will seek redemption and beat Morocco to have a chance of progressing past the group stage as one of the best losers.
Zambia is bottom in Group B which is dominated my Morocco who are unbeaten with six points while, Nigeria and South Africa are second and third respectively with three points each.
Today’s fixture presents another tough test for Bakala who did not expect to lose the COSAFA derby against South Africa on Wednesday night.
“It was a very tactical game against South Africa but not all hope is lost as we have the last game against Morocco to redeem ourselves. We shall have to fight. I think we got a big chance to progress,” Bakala said after the loss to South Africa.
Bakala is aware of the fact that Morocco is a do or die fixture for the Junior Chipolopolo boys who are seeking to write their own history.
“I know the game against Morocco won’t be easy but I don’t think they will play like they have done in the previous two games. They will obviously underrate us. We shall be going into that game knowing very well that it’s our last hope. It’s a do-or-die game that we shall need to give our best in order to redeem our chances,” said the head U-17 gaffer who doubles as Forest Rangers coach.
After impressing with a brace in the 3-2 defeat to South Africa on Wednesday, striker Emmanuel Mwanza will be expected to put up another brilliant performance to rescue the Junior Chipolopolo from suffering an early exit at the tournament.
Bakala will also look to striker Marcel Zimba and Jonathan Kalimina who were unfortunate not to register their names on the score sheet after performing well in the last two fixtures.
To progress to the knock out stage, Zambia will have to beat Morocco in the final group game and pray that the other group fixture involving South Africa and Nigeria does not end in a draw if they are to progress as one of the best losers.
If Congo gets anything less than a win against Algeria and Senegal beat or draw with Somalia, Zambia will be safe to progress with a win over Morocco.
