Sat, 10 Jun 2017 09:42:05 +0000
By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
THE Chipolopolo begin their quest for a 2019 Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations qualification with an opening fixture against Mozambique at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola today.
With little excitement coming from soccer fans owing to their poor run in previous competitions, the senior team is determined to prove a point that they can deliver a win at home.
The best result Mozambique have scored against Zambia is a draw, making today’s encounter a fierce battle as the Mambas want to break the jinx.
Zambia will be coming into the game as a more prepared side having picked a barren draw against Gabon in a friendly last Sunday.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda has clearly stated that he will not bank on history, saying Mozambican football has tremendously improved.
“Mozambique is no longer a walkover. I worked there, hence I know what I am talking about. But even then, we have to win this game at all cost,” he said.
Skipper Rainford Kalaba has also said the team will not afford to miss the 2019 qualification again. Zambia failed to qualify for the Gabon 2017 AfCON after they finished in third place of Group E behind Guniea-Bissau and Congo-Brazzaville which also had Kenya.
The Mambas will definitely have a tough task to cage left-footed Collins Mbesuma and influential playmaker Kalaba.
Nyirenda will also look to Lubambo Musonda and Rodrick Kabwe to give Zambia the important three points.
Mozambique coach Abel Xavier has a youthful side that is eager to qualify for the AfCON. The neighbouring country has been to the AfCON four times and they last featured at Africa’s biggest showpiece in 2010.
Xavier is expected to imploy a different tactical approach to end Zambia’s dominance over Mozambique.
“We know in the past, Zambia has been a great opponent but of course we need to consider that the past is the past. The team is focused on the present. Zambia have a new setup, which is equally the same with us. So for that reason we are optimistic that we can compete on a high level,” he said.
Zambia and Mozambique are in Group K which also has Guinea-Bissau and Namibia.
