ITS NOW OR NEVER

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 10:01:56 +0000

 By MICHAEL MIYOBA

AFTER a 2-0 disappointing loss to Uganda, Zambia today host Malawi at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe with the aim of reviving their hope of defending the 2017 MOPANI COSAFA under-20 Championship.

Zambia is at the bottom of Group A without a point while Malawi are on joint three points with Uganda following the 3-2 win over Swaziland.

A loss for Zambia would end the team’s race for the title.

Under-20 coach Mumamba Numba said the boys knew what was at stake, so will not risk a loss.

Numba said Malawi had a good team and Zambia had to approach the game with caution.

“It was a disappointing loss to Uganda, but that is in the past now and the boys will focus on tomorrow’s game. It’s a must win if we have to qualify to the semi-finals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia national team coach Wedson Nyirenda has slammed soccer fans who resulted to support Uganda.

 Soccer fans mocked the Junior Chipolopolo for allowing two goals in a space of four minutes.

Speaking in a post-match interview, Nyirenda said that it was a pity that soccer fans resorted to give their support to Uganda instead of encouraging the Zambia as they were trailing 2-0 in the second half of the game.

“It is a pity that fans gave their support to the Ugandans instead of encouraging the boys,” he said.

 Nyirenda said that there was need for the boys to play as a team noting that selfishness from some players cost the team from delivering a positive result in the clash against Uganda.

“There was too much individualism from players who wanted to emulate some players from the previous under 20 squad and that cost us but we just have to learn from the mistakes made in the first game. The boys still have a chance to do better,

“They just have to win the remaining games to qualify to the next round. We have seen teams losing their first fixture at a tournament and going on to win it, First games are always tough but there is need for fans to always encourage the boys in any situation,” Nyirenda said.