Zambia’s 13th Africa Cup finals outing starts on Tuesday when they face Sudan for the first time ever at the tournament during the two sides opening Group C match in Kumasi, Ghana.
The three Group C games in Ghana will make or break some reputations on the field, on the sidelines and at home.
Firstly, striker James Chamanga of Moroka Swallows in South Africa will have to justify the faith the Zambian public have put in him.
This is after an emotional nationwide campaign that saw him receive a last-minute Christmas present in form of a late call-up after scoring 8 goals in two competitive matches for his club towards the end of the year.
However, Chamanga has failed to score in three friendly internationals firstly in two matches against Tunisia wining 2-1 and losing 1-0 in Rades on January 6 and 8 respectively.
The other match is a 2-0 way defeat to Morocco on January 12 including a post-Christmas warm-up match against the Andalusia regional select team in Jerez, Spain on December 27.
With Christopher Katongo suspended for the match against Sudan, the first 90 minutes have come for Chamanga to put his money where his mouth is to satisfy his supporters or face an embarrassing mood swing from them.
Then there is the case of Chamanga’s striking partner Jacob Mulenga of French Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.
Mulenga will make his long-waited Africa Cup debut after missing on the 2006 Africa cup finals held in Egypt due to injury.
However, like Chamanga, he too failed to find the target in those high-profile friendly games although both players scored hat tricks in a training match against a Jerez select in an unnecessarily hyped game Zambia won 11-1.
Should either one bomb during the course of match day one against Sudan in the absence of the inspirational Katongo, Patrick Phiri might be forced to gamble on Kabwe Warriors and Zambia Under-20 striker Emmanuel Mayuka some during the match.
Moreover, Mayuka could be him in the deep end against the subsequent matches against Cameroon and Egypt with third choice striker Felix Sunzu’s struck by a sudden bout of Malaria upon arriving in Kumasi on Friday.
Ironically, the Konkola Blades striker was a late replacement for another invalid in the form of the once-upon-a-time talismanic Collins Mbesuma of Bursaspor in Turkey who was dropped due to bad form.
It turns political in defence where the absence of the vastly experienced defender Elijah Tana has left a nation divided with rumors and speculation swirling after the player from El Merreikh of Sudan failed to join the team on its pre-tournament training camp.
Fitness and susceptibility to injury looks like a more plausible reason for Tana’s omission than a cooked-up petty case of falling out of favor with Phiri.
Tana’s dropping, although his supporters would rather euphemistically call it stand-by, has opened the door for his Lusaka Dynamos understudy Hichani Himoonde to stand up and be counted.
However, the forgotten Himoonde will battle for the left side slot in central defence with Zanaco’s Kennedy Nkethani whose Africa Cup experience should see him get the nod ahead of the promising giant fullback from Dynamos.
And is this the tournament when we finally see Rainford Kalaba come to the fore after a forgettable outing in Egypt?
Without the industry of the ailing midfielder Andrew Sinkala from 2.Bundesliga club Paderborn, the ball has been rolled into the middle of the park for Zambia’s 2007 footballer of the year to further enhance his reputation as why he was voted top-dog last season.
Phiri too is in the spotlight or is it the hot seat as he returns to Ghana for the first time as coach after making his debut as a player there 30 years ago.
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After making the brave decision to drop Mbseuma and Tana, the vastly experience but reluctant and soft-spoken Phiri hopes his decision to see business sense to prevail over reputations will leave a legacy before he steps down in March at the end of his extended contract.
Meanwhile, how Zambia will perform at these finals will have a big impact on Faz president Teddy Mulonga’s future at Football House.
Some good results will certainly to be his sales pitch for re-election and the opposite leaving him in a precarious situation to hang on the post come the March 29 Faz elections.
It has been 12 years since Zambia made the semifinals, another 14 since reaching the finals and a further 16 years since winning an opening group game.
Sudan beckons before Zambia face Group C favorites Cameroon and Egypt on January 26 and 30 respectively as Phiri’s dreams of the minimum 5 points needed to see Chipolopolo make a dramatic shock quarterfinal appearance.
Only time will tell,I’ve never lost hope like this in my all life can’t imagine anything positive something aren’t right will see anyways.
Half time: Morroco 4-Namibia 1. Ba Ben Bemfuchile must be turning in his gravel ku Chamboli
Namibia can be forgiven for they have not come of age…..the same cannot be said about Zambia… Katwishi efyo chikaba mailo
Zambia is going to rise and triamph over the Darfur Boys the and set the records straight. Zambia is being looked at as a miniow in this tournamnet this gives them a chance to prove themselves. VIVA CHIPOLOPOLO we all are behind you not matter what. GO ZAMBIA !!
Waste of money and valuable time? zambian will not win a single game…..our players drink more beers than us madalas…? they are a bunch of losers with no focus? fima kula fiba iche..fi chakolwa..fye chabebebe?
Cheers
I hope all you clowns fom eastern province who think Zambia has a chance at the AFCON watched Ivory Coast beat Nigeria! That is is class at its best, imwe mwalya ubwali na Kapenta ati lets go and win the AFCON, dream on! Ivory Coast is World class, thats why they are wining this tournament! Ba Zambia, balipwa!
World class? maybe it’s the nerves of the first game or long grass or the heat! neither of those two teams looked worthy of being called champions, they don’t play well and squander the ball in every possession. they would be beaten by kalu’s team of the 90’s easily.
those big teams are yet to live up to the hype!
also, they are competent experienced players, but there lack of team chemistry also shows.
We are praying for u guys its not the zambia national team at falt here its the economy of our country and the faz and nation leadership at falt they act slowly like kamilion we need early preps to make it viva zambia its not yo falt
hey #4.Are you one of the zambians striken by blind patriotism anyway dream on Ba Zambia!
Despite the troubles that seemingly have rocked the Zambian camp I must say football is 90minutes and not opinion poll driven. So as long as the boys have not yet got onto the pitch they still stand a chance. History has shown the most underated teams have go on to beat big teams. It has happened, for instance Greece the current cup holders of the European cup. Who would have predicted them as winners. All the opinion polls am sure had the usual the Englands, Germanys but alas Greece won.VIVA Z!
Gentlemen, why is it so difficult for you to see that Zambia is not what it used to be in football terms? If you didn’t see quality and class in the Ivory Coast Team, then I don’t know what kind of football you know. That was the first game, they were cautious but efficient in every way! Face the truth people and stop counting Zambia among the best coz its insulting!
Ivory Coast were impressive in my opinion. As the tournament goes on they will gel better and only improve. Nigeria was disappointing though with their lack of teamwork and cohesion. Zambia on the other hand should play more as a team, and despite not being one of the contenders they will perform well. This is not the finished product, so a win against Sudan and a draw against Egypt or Cameroon would be a pleasing outcome. But lets hope for more.
If you don’t set yourself high but realistic goals, you’ll always remain where you are. Zambian supporters need to avoid dreaming too much as well as complete negativity. Neither of these are productive.
Let’s not be negative about the boys, atleast they are doing something for our country. It’s not easy even breaking into the FAZ league so it’s a great achievement to make it to AFCON. Also, most of the boys fought all odds in the Shanti Compounds they come from so this should be big props for them.GO CHIPOLOPOLO BOYS! Your true diehard fans are behind you.
Its better for our team to have qualified to AFCON, at least they will gain more experience as this is a new team we are building. Why are you criticising them? If they had not qualified, it was going to be a big issue. They qualify, you say they wont go anywhere. Which is which now. Like #15 rightly put it, if we can come out with 4 points, it will be good for Zambia. We should look at 2010 AFCON and WC in SA.
Zambia 3 Sudan 0
Believe me.
We are not saying Zambia is the best but despite having an inexperienced team i believe the boys will make us proud.Good Luck to the Mother Land. At least some us don’t support a team cos the have stars.Some people this year the will support Barcelona after 2 years when Barca are down the change to Real Madrid after 2 years it’s Man Utd.Today they will support Senegal(Diouf),when Senegal is down it’s Ivory Coast or Ghana.We dont follow the wind(ukwalola umwela eko twaya).Viva the Mother Land.
Hey # 10 & what do u want for Zambia???
I agree with Sibs #18. The Zambian team in Ghana is the best we have. Even if we are not expecting miracles we have to support them just like we supported the previous Chipolopolo teams. We will never have great kalu, Alex Chola, Lucky Msiska etc forever. Once a Chipolopolo always a chipolopolo come rain come sunshine. Good luck Zambia.
Ama guys imwe. The problem with Z is always poor planning. E.g. the U 23 played fairly well in the Olympics and the U20 at the world cup in Canada. If Z had good planning, the would have kept the U20 U-23 teams and try to have the youngsters go to youth teams in Europe, 4-5 years the teams will be like Ghana and I coast. The teams are always disbanded. I mean why have trials before a tournment? Why not just have U-15, U-17-U20-U23 already in place. We need a good coach too.
RN. I agree with you we will never have the G.Chitalus, W.Phiris, C.Musondas etc but time is coming when some of these boys will make us proud also.We have to start somewhere to get to where we used to be and tournaments like these will build our players.
GO CHIPOLOPOLO GO, we are behind you no matter what results you get. We wish you all the best in today’s match !!!
Hilary #23, Good to hear from you again. Did you sort out your Visa issues with Mexico?
we are wining today, hate it or love it! mighty zambia !lets go zambia lets go.
ZAMBIA 3 SUDAN O
What do you have yo say on the games played so far guys?
#26 You are right on the spot. spot on!!!
Zambia 3 Sudan 0
Its has taken us a long time since we last won the opening match at the Africa nations cup and today we’ll re-write the history books by beating Sudan. Let the world see that Zambia still has got it and we are no pushovers slowly getten to mighty Zambia we was known to be. When an opportunity comes our way let us grab it with two hands becuase this one is like God feeding the sons of Israel manna from heaven. Ala mwe bana Chipolopolo lelo ku Chimwemwe, Chamboli, Parklands, Nkana East na konsefye
It will be “IYE” and “CHIPOLOPOLO” in our steets this eveninig.
Zambia 3 Sudan 0
Zambia has all takes to win today. I know in the Egyptian and Cameroonian camps they have all written us off because in today’s lineup only Jacob Mulenga play in a better league wealth talking about and the rest of our players play in high profile leagues. But that has an advantage because they seem not know the players we have can cause an upset. That’s one of the reasons why we should wait until the all 90 mintues is played before we get too excited about the Zambia vs Sudan game. Go Zambia go
i can see we all read , ba ndola., ba lusaka, ba nkana!! ba stone lelo ni zee!! zambia mwana mayo!!, we are winining i can’t wait for 21:00hrs, jacob mulenga 2 goals and kalaba wil get one too, zed 3 sudan 0. lets mwana mayo lets go.
Zambia has all takes to win today. I know in the Egyptian and Cameroonian camps they have all written us off because in today’s lineup only Jacob Mulenga play in a better league wealth talking about and the rest of our players play in low profile leagues. But that has an advantage because they seem not know the players we have can cause an upset. That’s one of the reasons why we should wait until the all 90 mintues is played before we get too excited about the Zambia vs Sudan game. Go Zambia go
It seems to be the same old story everytime Zambia goes to the AFCON ” that we are underated so we can cause upsets”, when are we ever going to go their as serious contenders? This team is made up of young players, Iam not expecting them to win this tournament but goodness sake “Please keep them together” its the only way they will develop into a strong team. Remeber how the late Chitalu kept the team that went to the 88 olympics? in the 90, it became one of the best team in Africa…
These boys have the skill and potential, all they need is a little consistency from the managers, and give them the right training and exposure, then we will have a good team in the next three or so years.
All we have to do is be positive and hope good fortunes for our boys. Though I dont like predicting matches, a win for Zambia tonite is likely as Sudan cannot match Zambia’s skill and game plan. So far of all the games played, I have only been impressed by Cote D’voire. The rest of the teams’ performances are just average. Ghana just did well in the second half particularly Sulley Muntari’s volley which gave Ghana hope to stay in the tournament. Namibia were just too amateurish to be given a 5-1
Zambia 1 – Darfur 3, take it or leave it, ha aha aha aha aha aha aha
CTD… Namibia were just too amateurish to be given a 5-1 hiding by Morocco. Team work will do for Zambia. We do not have big names but if we the boys can work as a team, something can come up.
WE ARE WINNING BY 2 NIL.go zambia go.
Nifyofine Ba Kalepa boss. The winning margin could even be more than 2 nil.
A few hours from now, all the comments will settle on the actual result from Ghana.
Billy#40 i will watch the game Zam-Sud at your place just noticed that i will be affected by load shedding
Ba Kalepa naba Billy thats the spirit, we are game!
Good luck chipolopolo!Those who insultingly critise Zambia dont understand the game,am sure there are those who knew that there was soccer in Zambia after the Gabon disaster, where lelo ni ManU, mailo Chelsea, that day ni Gunners, Fwe bena Zambia when are going to be proud of what of our contents that is why we have been suffering for too long because we dont appreciate.That team is what we have now why not support it?That is Zambia,
So far i have also been impressed by Ivory Coast and Ghana just a bit.Them(Ghana) playing at home is helping them cos of the fans.Nigeria were disjointed and really looked ordinary may be the will get better in the next game.
I just pray and hope the won’t be any load shedding tonight.Guys let’s not underrate the boys from Darfur we may have a better team on paper compared to Sudan but lets wait for 90 minutes.
The issue of blaming FAZ is secondary factor to our futbal standards, how much do our players put in themselves, am talking about individual skill on the pitch like we saw with the Gabon disaster guys(RIP fellas).
How does this international players fails to use initiative to score when he has the chance-he famble, and we blame FAZ or the coach where?
da coach cant teach the player how to dribble, players nid to apply themslves, like Lucky Msiska’s mushofe style,but typical individual skill
Cont..For thos that watched Kalu with his 360 degrees skill, Kelvin Mutale & Timothy Mwitwa’s dribbling skills, i dont think Ucar Chitalu taught them that because his game was Ukukulika(running with ball with power.am saying is players have also got a bigger role play, look at Xros Katongo, and few others there are trying but we need more individual skilled players
Sudan 0 Zambia 3
Load shedding in Jozi normally takes place during day time. In the night theres power particularly in Jozi. So the game will be watched. Wanga dont worry you shud be able to have power come the time of the night if you stay around Jozi.
Here are my predications:
Zambia 2-Sudan-0
Zambia 1 Cameroun-1 or Zambia 1 Cameroun 0
Zambia 1-Egpty 0
Quarter Zambia Vs Tunisia or SA.
Zambia ngatalipo bonse aba nabangwela
Ba Shidada bamudala, I wish all soccer fans were like you. I think this is really putting me in the soccer mood now. I am now off to watch Cam. vs Egypt prior to the Zambia match.
Latest from Ghana.Zambia starting 11
1.K.Mweene
2.C.Hachilensa(Capt)
3.J.Musonda
4.B.Mwanza
5.K.Nhetani
6.I.Bakala
7.J.Mulenga
8.R.Kalaba
9.J.Chamanga
10.A.Phiri
11.F.Katongo
Source- fazcupofnations.com
Good luck mother Zambia. BaZambia Chipolopolo
Good luck boys, Iam cutting my school hours short today to go and watch the game. It will be great if we can beat Sudan by a big margin, it will give the boys some confidence when they face the indomitable lions. I hope Jacob Mulenga and Felix Katongo are on song tonight. Sad for you guys at home who are experiencing power problems…
Cameroon down 0-2 after 17 minutes
We are going to beat the Sh*T out Sudan
0-3 to Egypt Mohammad Zidan (played for FCM in Denamrk) 2 goals and Cameroon with Eto are on the way out of the AFCON cause we shall beat them too, what a surprise. Cameroon with all their old players have really been bad, really rubbish, all God, Zanbia to the next round chapwa, ba Cameroon bakote
Egypt 3-Cameroon 0 at Half Time.
Gentlemen, I am watching the match on telesud. Egypt is good. While wishing we could do something, the realistic prediction is that we are in deep trouble. Cameroon will come at us like a wounded buffalo; and we cannot stop those pharaohs. Best we can do is vent our anger on Sudan, in advance!
#57, You have just said what I wanted to say. Iam watching the game on Eurosport, Cameroun will give everything they’ve got when we face them. I hope our boys can get a good result tonight and hope to draw the rest of the games.
Chapwa Cameroon will go down to Cipolopolo. Imagine the fast Katongo against old man Song. Tu le tuta.
Latest 3-1
4-1
Owe 4-1 manje. Yaba ba Cameroon sure.
Cameroon has been bashed
Iye mayo ba Zambia
Imwe. ba Zed chipolopolo. Don’t worry.
Ok baingisha ko. 4-2. Yapwa noku pwa. Nomba ni ba Zed. Iyeeeee! Chipolopolo! Iyeeeee…
WE HAVE JUST RAPED CAMEROON
WE ARE ABOUT TO DEFILE THE ZAMBIAN MALARIA BOYS
ITS TIME WE RAPED THE MALNOURISHED ZANMBIAN TEAM
LETS HOPE THE BOYS HAD NSHIMA
BROTHERS ITS ABDULAZIZ WALID ENJOYING THE RESULTS
BROTHERS ITS GAME TIME
Anonymous, if you are a rapist keep that to yourself. your language is filthy – thats not what will win you this game. If you want to use such language go to aljazero not on this great site. Ukutumpa.
Sudan have won just three of their 14 encounters with Zambia.
Zambia 1 Sudan 0
Zed 1-0 sudan
Chamanga(2Min)
Great start for Zambia! Let’s go Zambia let’s go
Zambia 1 Sudan 0. Tambeni umupila
Na kuno ku Canada Ba Zambia Chipolopolo
Good luck zambia,the game has already started otherwise,further more…….look forward to promising results.
Egypt 4 and Cameroon 2
I missed the goal due to the telesud coverage being blank. But watching the game on P2P now…Sudan look to be holding most of the posession with Zambia happy to counter attack. Defence still looking a little shaky…
from BBC “Zambia are looking good, when Chris Katongo is back they might be able to surprise Cameroon or possibly Egypt”
Tula myeba.
Hachilensa is playing well on the wing, putting in some good runs and crosses. Felix Katongo also looks confortable on the ball. I think they’re missing the leadership of Chris Katongo. Zambia NEEDS him for Egypt and Cameroon!
Half time HEHEHE
2016: HALF-TIME Sudan 0-1 Zambia
Evenly poised with Sudan looking the stronger. Should make for a good second half.
What is happening guys, How is Zambia playing? I can’t watch here in Canada. plz update
The team is generally okay BUT we are still allowing too much space to the attackers (opposition) and that may cost us sooner rather than later. Maybe when Chansa and Chris Katongo play, we will be able to cover some spaces!
Chi AbdulaAziz yaku Chipata.
Cat got your tongue? See you in 45 minutes.
guys…go to www channelsurfing com…there is a link for this match in arabic.
sorry its .net
canada #86 go to eurosport.yahoo.com
u can follow te game there like im doing
GO ZAMBIA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you very much Mpundu, I am just following the game through BBC Commentary.
Zambia is lucky these Sudanese have no bullets…another chance they had to score. C’mon boys, focus and slow things down!
GOAL!!! Mulenga scores!!!
Makai thank very much man, now I can follow the game nicely more than BBC commentary which is taking to long here to update.
ABDULLA!!!!!!!!!!! Zambia 2:0 Sudan
Mabolo!!!!!!!
ZAMBIA 2, SUDAN 0
The way the commentaries are going with BBC, the are always in favor or rather taking much on Sudan that Zambia
Canada – go on the Eurosport site, much better. by the way, where are you? I am in red deer.
Guys, why can’t you watch the match live on channelsurfing? Unless your connection is dial-up.
Now where is that muslim guy?
Leave religion out of this guys. Don’t go to his level.
Mario, some of us are working and that streaming site video is blocked. but thanks, i will make sure and watch it at home. Canada, where are you?
I am In Canada Toronto, I am now in Eruosport web, thanks guys, One Zambia one Nation indeed.
3 Nil, hehehe
ABDULLA!!!!!!!!!
Zambia 3:0 Sudan!!!!!
Why the silence. Be a man.
ZAMBIA3, SUDAN 0 FELIX KATONGO
This is wonderful, 3-0, where is that guy called Kaputula ya kwa kazizi, {Abdulahzizi
They are playing with confidence now, a huge difference in the way they are playing. I hope they can add a few more goals tonight.
All the negative posters will continue to be negative…wait and see…You can’t change people like that.
Hiding. And getting his foot out of his mouth.
Abdulla. Be a man. At least admit.
Zambia will now have a 15-4 record against Sudan.
Mweene has impressed me in goal, which will defintely boost the defenders confidence.
Mayuka is now on…
NO YELLOW CARDS BOYS. THIS GAME IS OVER. DON’T RISK FUTURE GAMES…
it is true……….Zambia 3 Sudan 0.
30 mins to go……hahahaha
Abuddula…………get some toilet papers from the shops man.
Sudan turned inside-out and left for dead, Cameroon the next victim.
iyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…….Chipolopolo………..
OH!!! Mulenga almost scored…what a save from the Sudan goalie, on his fingertips. Clifford Mulenga has joined the party 🙂
iyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…….Chipolopolo………..
I hope Katongo is not injured…doesn’t look good.
Is he walking??? Update Mario please…
Well Done Chipolopolo!!! Next stop, Cameroon.
SUDAN WA WA!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEYE! CHIPOLOPOLO, BA ZEDI EEEEYE! CHIPOLOPOLO
The boys have done us proud, I hope they can hold their guns aginst the indomitable lions on Saturday. Top of the group, WOW! Felix Katongo is good, man!
Ngati ni chiloto shuwa. Zaambia top the group.thank you mr Phiri and good luck for the next game………nayenda ni kagone.
Cool I want to hear the critikers what they have to say. All we need now is to win the second game!!!!
Only Nketani must improve in defense! He made a number of mistakes which could have costed us a goal!!
congratulations to the team, they made us proud tonight, it’s not all about money and investment. they showed spirit and played like zambians! there are things i could criticize, but i’m not going to today.
let’s see if we can put in a big performance for cameroon game.
Saturday will be double trouble for Cameroun – they ll have to deal with Katongo and Katongo …. but i think Ian Bakala was a passenger resulting in our midfield not holding up. In the 2nd half he became tired and was completely non existent. Hope Chansa will make things better in the middle. We played in defence and upfront, a more experienced side will punish us if we do not sort out the mess in midfield. Absence of Sichone and Sinkala was clearly visible
Iam ecstatic about this result but truth be told, Iam a bit worried with our midfield and defence. Someone was not running in the middle, Bakala has got skill but he can’t run, Njobvu was a bit off form, Felix was being overworked, I hope the return of Chansa and Chris will improve things. Overall, it was a good start. We need to at least to draw against Cameroun and hope that Cameroun doesn’t score more than 3 goals against Sudan, then we go through!
A win against Cameroun is something within our reach, Egypt…..mmmmm we stand no chance unless a miracle occurs. Cameroun will pack the midfield and if we play like we did tonight, Njitap will have a field day> Cameroun have always found it difficulty against Zambia, they never really outplay us – meaning the match should be a fair contest…Egypt have embarrassed us several times in recent years – getting a result against them woild be asking for too much from the Chipolopolo side.Good Start!
Zambia 3 Sudan 0, nangu tukafumemo natuwinapo abesu. IYE CHIPOLPOLO!!! GO ZAMBIA GO
Well done to the boys, but as others have said we need to polish up on a cuple of areas.
Firstly, Nketani is suspect as is Joseph Musonda at left back. Hachilensa and Mwanza did well today. These lapses were noticed during the warm-up games and it seems we haven’t rectified them.
Secondly, distribution from the back. Our midfield was out worked, out passed and out skilled today. That resulted in us relying on long balls from back to front and counter attacking. We need a controller
cont. in the midfield.
Upfront I think we are alright. Impressed with F. Katongo (man of the match) and Chamanga but Dube Phiri has a spot on the bench waiting for him. Rainford showed some good flashes, but the ball was being pumped back to front without going through him.
I also have to say that the fitness of some of the guys was a worry. Bakala seemed to wilt as did Chamanga.
Overall good game, but we need to work on a couple of areas. Hopefully they will gain confidence.
Go Go Zambia!!!! no one will stop us. We have sorted out Abdu’s relatives. That referee was a suspect. I think he was bribed by the refugees from Sudan.
Abdu. be a gentleman. Why are you quiet? We need your comments before you get on your flight to the mountains of Pakistan.
Grant
You can watch highlights at footytube dot com and espnsoccernet dot com
Congratulations to the Chipolopolo for wining the match. We were good upfront. But guys I should honestly say that we really need to improve in the midfield and defence. Most of the time we were exposed at te back and had it not been for the poor finishing of Sudan, they could have scored atleast three or four. Imagine that kind of defence when we play Cameroun and Egypt. I hope the coaching staff will do something. Maybe the coming in of Chansa in the midfield and Katongo (Chris) will improve
CTD matters. I was so impressed with Felix Katongo the boy is good. That guy of plays well in the next two games will be heading to Europe. Zambia’s attacking is excellent. We could have scored even five or six goals. But we need to sort out the defence and midfield against Cameroun as they will try to win this game against Zambia for them to qualify to the next round.
Ian Bakala should have been substututed as he was failing to run. I agree with someone who mentioned of missing Sinkala in the midfield. The commentator even mentioned it that it is not known if Zambia will match to Cameroun’s physical strength, technical and tactical strength. As for Egypt, guys Egypt is really a good side. We should aim to do better against Cameroun as thats the only team we can collect a point. We should forget about the Pharaohs. The guys are just too good.
chi WALID AZIZ ubushilu nomba bwapwa? what can you tell us about yo dreams!
Lets wait and see what satday will bring
Congratulation to the boys.Only watched the 2nd half and the last min of the first half.We had Load sheding in Midrand from 18:10 to 22:14 man was i praying for the power to come all the way.Like the most guys have said the defense is still a bit shacky especially J.Musonda he is found wanting when he over laps upront.The midfield I.Bakala lost steam early & a bit slow.R.Kalaba had a good game though he became playful towards the end.A.Phiri for me should have come out early for C.Mulenga
Zambia will NOT lose any game in this outing.
Well done guys. We will always have faith in you. Abdula Aziz committed suicide in the Afghan mountains. Iam confident we will hammer Cameroon and qualify to the next round. PP should should something about the mid field hopefully it will improve with Chansa back.
Born Rich congrats for your correct predictions. Please give us predictions for Saturday’s game…………
First, congratulations to Chipolopolo for a job well done. I know most of us think that it was a brilliant result and I have to agree!! This is exactly the sort of result we needed against Sudan. For our next game, the pressure really is on Cameroon. I will support Chipolopolo through and through. I believe that the boys showed hunger whereas the Cameroonians and Nigerians were too pedestrian in their approach. We do have a chance against Cameroon but I will also take a draw!
Born Rich yesterday you said Zambia 3-0 Sudan .Cameroon is very beatable though the will come smoking.The boys just need to be psyched up and know that Cameroon are not immortal a draw for me will do.People may disagree with me but the Egyptians may be the ones Zambia may beat forget what the did to Cameroon.This is football and not elections as Billy put it one time. With the Tsunami (Chris)back and I.Chansa to bring more stability in the middle i am confident we will do well.
#143. RN Pretoria, thanks.
I have said to myself that, “i am not prepared to be a citizen of a country which has never won the Africa Cup”.
I have therefore “decided” that we are winning the africa cup this time around. If most of the guys on this blog are content with the status quo, I AM not! I have therefore decided to re-write hostory for my country…. by “intending” to win the cup.
It is impossible for Zambia NOT to win this Africa Cup. Take it or leave it.
Guys who do you think should give way in the midfield for I.Chansa? I am sure A.Phiri will give way to C.Katongo.I have had my doubts on F.Katongo at times but i should say i was not disappointed by his performance last night great game from the young man. K.Mweene is also getting better with every game what a player!
Guys, I told you. Sudan had no AFCON experience. Cameroun is not well prepared for this tournament, they are relying on experienced, I am positive we will have a positive result on Saturday.
Yes, F. Katongo had a great game. Ian Bakala provided good passes but he was let down by his pace. In defence Nketani was a suspect and Billy was good. The partnership of Jacob and Chris Katongo upfront will definately give Song a headache on Saturday. E’too should be marked out of the game and Cameroon will fall.
The journey has now began. Good warm guys!
149 RN Pretoria
The same way we marked “MAKAFEE” that’s the way we should mark E’TO. We MUST not give them space to in our half.
We just need to build confidence in ourselves as players and as soccer fans.
If we can’t win the game in our minds, we can nver win it on the field. It is high time we started teaching our boys the “pschology of winning”. We can do these things guys. We are eual to the task. We There is no law which says that we cannot go all the way to the end.
Viva Zambia.
Guys who should give way for I.Chansa in the Midfield??
Please let them return Adubelo to Zambia. He shouldnt even have lasted 10 mins in that game. Nketani should rest. Hichani can do the job. Bakala, was third worst player for Zambia. I have a feeling that in the long run, Stophira Sunzu will ‘eat number ya Bakala’ mu squad.
Player Ratings out of 10
Mweene: 8
Musonda: 7
Hachilensa: 8
Nketani: 5
Mwanza: 8
Bakala: 6
Katongo: 9
Kalaba: 8
Mulenga: 9
Chamanga 9
Phiri:4
Zambia played very well going forward and they should have scored at least five goals. It is a good start for our relatively young team but there is a great concern regarding our defensive formation especially in the midield where we lack defensive abilities thereby exposing our defence.
With a good defensive formation starting in the midfield, I have hope this team will perform wonders not only at this year’s AFCON but in the other future assignments as well. Lets seal the loop holes.
Bakala will definitely give way for Chansa because in Chansa you have a complete mdfield capable of both defending and attacking with equal precision and at the same time possessing tactical awareness and technical competence.
Sibs, i would say Bakala even though he played well. We defended better once the players were more relaxed, before they tried forcing tackles being beaten out of position, then times we didn’t close down enough, but the effort was great i must say. J.Mulenga & Chamanga didn’t always link well with the MFs, both should have been more focused and less greedy as the game wore on. blazzing shots over by everyone, test the keeper at least, lean forward instead of back when you shoot. No doubt, the sc
…No doubt, the scouts will have been impressed by Felix. Kalaba showed some class.
Thanks Kemps #155 and Seen from afar #156.I hope the coach saw the weakness in Bakala.
Bakala did well, he brought intensity and won allot of balls even though he did loose out at times. You have to give him that.
As someone mentioned, even though Egypt look the strongest team in the group, its probably them who Zambia has the best chance against. I’ll be happy with a draw against Cameroon. The boys will be psyched for the last game. In the U20s we’ve beaten Egypt when it was not expected. Let them underestimate Zambia, that’s all I can say. The defence needs work, but as I said Mweene was brilliant. A good keeper gives me confidence.
Villager, your rates! Anyway VIVA Zambia.Why was E’too smiling when watching Zambia? Does he know that the lions (Cameroon) were reduced to chickens. Zambia says Cameroon here i come pa Saturday.
I thought Jacob Mulenga did not fully utilise his height and built, neither is he fast depsite being taller than most zambian players. He is the one who was to score more goals for zambia. I was not impressed by him, Felix Katongo was outstanding, chamanga showed some brilliance, but he tires as the game goes on, Bakala was ok, except that he was dealing with taller players than him. Against Camerroun it will be really tought, the boys need to run and run fast for 90+ 3 minutes. With the coming
ctd in of the Tsunami(Chris) and Gattuso(Isaasc) Zambia can do even better. Here is the probable line up against cameoun.
K. Mweene
C. Hachilensa
W. B. Mwanza
H. Himoonde
C. Kampamba
I. Bakala
C. Katongo
I. chansa
J. Chamanga
J. Mulenga
F. Katongo
I agree # 162 on Jacob Mulenga, he should have scored more goals. There was an instant when Jacob broke through the Sudanese defence only to ballon the ball far top of the uprght. At times there was a bit of selfishness on the guys. Having said all this, he had a good game. Felix Katongo is an excellent player. I think there is something good about this Katongo family. The boy is taking after his elder brother. I am sure the european scouts are not blind.
Reasonable line up Chips, I hope PP has access to this blog. It was a sweet victory but I only hope that it hasn’t gone the team’s heads because the real test will be on Saturday. Our defence is really questionable, those tackles they were throwing on the edge of the box should be avoided against Cameroun because they will punish us saverely. I hope Chris can use his power and speed to score 2 quick goals, Rigobert Song is old and tired, he shouldn’t be an obstacle for chris.
All we can do is wait for the next game against Cameroun. Cameroun will be breating fire. But the type of Cameroun’s play cannot bother Zambia much as they are relatively slow. Zambia play well against slow teams. We battle with speed particularly from north african teams. But if the running exhibited by the young Zambian strikers last night is repeated on Saturday, then Cameroun will battle, provided our midfield and defence does not crack. All they have to do is be very fast.
# 164, Billy, Felix was long being courted by some Portuguese clubs.After AFCON, they will just sign him on.
Hey Ihaven’t heard from Addulaziz (Kabbudula ya Kazizi). Hey abdul don’t kill yourself. we warned.
I told you the chipolopolo song will be heard thru out the world. Keep it up lads!
Lets now iron whatever deficiencs we may have had and beat cameroon. Viva Chipolopolo.
# 168 – “Ati Kabbudula ya kazizi” but wansekesha man! I think he is fasting or seeking forgiveness from god on the bad things ghe said against Zambia before the start of the games. somewhere in the mountains of Afghanstan. This tournamnet has disturbed my concetration in school, hope the boys will continue with a good run.
guys, from what i saw of our game and the way our other opponents played, we need serious work defensively, and our midfield lacked the strength to withstand a determined opponent. I was frankly worried that we wouldnt survive the first half without conceding. We have some very potent strikers , but to beat egypt our defence will have to be more aggressive; i actually fancy our chances against cameroun as they are slower in attack. Egypt i actually dread!!
Kabudula zizi is a rapist in Iraq,but now is on vacation in Chipata, mwebali pa Zed mu sokoleni uyo alabumunapofye abantu,wechipubawe chi nsamia.
#166 Billy SA, Cameroun won’t play the same way did yesterday, they will change tactics.
Yes to some extent I agree with you #172 SEEN FROM AFAR, I think they will be more aggressive. They watched us and they saw the weaknesses. I think defencewise, Phiri should introduce Chintu Kampamba in place of Nkethani. But I am still worried though. We really miss such seasoned players as Tana, Sichone and Sinkala. Anyway we will see what happens next.
i missed the match guys. i was just to start watching Cameroon and Egypt then ZESCO brought all the dissapointment by cutting off power and i went to bed till morning. Thanks to ba Zed and Ba Born Rich sir for predicting those goals. Lets support the boys to the end.
#174 malama, Mfewe
Thanks.
We intend to support the team to the very end. This is our time. Once the AFCON cup is in, i will even come to Mfuwe for holiday!
Don’t worry Billy, we are in a good position. We want to play these big teams… we’ll see…
Prediction for Cameroun game:-
Zambia needs to play a 3 5 2 system meaning that we need a five man midfield to contain the lions. I agree that between Musonda and Nketani – one may need to be dropped. Maybe Chintu or Hichimoonde can be brought in. Lets not make the mistake that Mclaren made in Englands last game for England
The game will be won or lost on the tactics to be used.
Patrick Phiris comments captured on BBC
Cameroon will be desperate to put the wheels back on their Nations Cup campaign in their next match against Zambia whose coach,
” Patrick Phiri, said: “It was important that we won this match but I noticed some lapses in our defence and this we must work on before our next game against Cameroon “
Congrats to Chipolopolo. What was crucial was to collect maximum points granted we did not play well as a team. I believe after Ivory Coast and Nigeria we have the most potent frontline. This is our biggest weapon. If we can use it to maximum effect I will not be so worried about our weaknesses at the back. Remember attack is the best form of defence. The strikers can keep the opposition busy which can nullify Egypts and Cameroun’s threat. Trust me Cameroun and Egypt will be worried about
ctd about facing our frontline I have no doubt. I am not worried about Eto’o or Zidan for Egypt. Its the players we don’t know that we should be concerned about. If we play as a team I believe we can beat the pharoahs and lay our Arab hoodoo to rest. Zambia will get out of this group. THEY SHOULD ONLY BE BRAVE AND NOT FEAR THE PHAROAHS. FORGET ABOUT HISTORY. HISTORY IS THERE TO BE REWRITTEN AND NOW IS THE TIME. COME CHIPOLOPOLO IYEEEEE!!!!!
#175
Ba Born Rich mkwai,
You are most welcome to mfuwe for the holiday. Do you happen to doubt that the AFCON will be in? Just like you predicted of the goals i became intrested in you that good CHIPOLOPOLO FUNS like you are there to give us confidence to watch Ba Zed performing in Ghana. Look forward to the AFCON to be in Zambia. Nothing is imposible with the Guys. They will make it if they continue to work togather as a team.
Zambia will beat Cameroun, if you check stats, they have never dominated us. Check MTN Nations Cup website. Cameroun is going home.
Sudan and Egpty will draw.
Zambia’s coach should be active, I noticed that his counterpart from Sudan never sat down in the entire 90 minutes shouting instructions to his players, Kalu used to do the same.PP motivate your players fomr the sidelines and learn to read the game as it progresses and make quick tactical changes.
I just saw a picture of Mbesuma, mambala naina-Sumo wrestling will fit him
You cannot just give in because of the other team’s reputation. Egypt did not exactly breeze through their qualifying group. I read somewhere (BBC I think) that North African countries do not travel well. Who would have thought Ghana would have such a tough time against Namibia? Zambia has as good a chance against Cameroun as they do against Egypt. Remember, they too have to defend. The game has to be played regardless of reputation.
Cameroon will fall
money issues rocks chipolopolo camp. wont that contribute -vely to the perfomance of the team.
What is this that the boys are threatening to boycott tomorow’s game because they havent been paid the winning bonus??? what the hect is wrong with Faz? It has been a roller coaster for the chipos, i only wish we pull through despite all these issues.
Chipos for Life!!!
pa zed yalikosa
Money issues. I am sorry that is the problem with Zambia. We don’t ever learn. That why Kalusha must be the head FAZ. All this nonsense will stop. The people are in FAZ not for the love of football but money they get. Do you guys know that if Mulonga or any other official had to be match commissioner in any CAF game, they get 50 000 South African rands?
Too much insamushi mu faz. ok!ok! ahh! $2000 by K3000.dont calculate jst give the guys to motivate them.
. Nigeria will get $49 000 should the Super Eagles go all the way and win the 2008 Africa Cup.
2. Bafana. The players will receive R65 000 if they qualify for the quarter-finals, R90 000 if they reach the semifinals, R135 000 if they make it to the final and R210 000 if they win the tournament.
Players will also get a daily allowances of $100 (about R700).
3. Zambia can’t even pay US$2500
Times of Zambia says “as scouts besiege Zambian camp”. Other teams are not allowing people near the hot
#181. malama, mfuwe
Thanks. I am confident. Infact, i put myself on the spot from the word “GO”. I a said Zambia was going to win against sudan by 3-0 and it came to pass. I have even gone to declare the following:
(1). Zambia WILL not lose a single game in AFCON 2008
(2). Zambia Will score 2 goals against Cameroun
(3). Zambia WILL score 1 goal against Egypt
Therefore, i WILL be coming to Mfuwe WHEN (not if) the AFCON 2008 Cup comes in.
Good morning.
Our technical bench is desperate to sell players to europe and they are allowing scouts to disturb the team. why cant they stop them from talking to our players? Afcan is not the only stage where the can contact the players. serious scouts will follow the players after the tornament. i’m sure that its scouts which need our players not otherwise. that why we end up selling our talented players to fake teams coz of desparation. plse let the boys concetrate on the games. thoz scout are not credible
We need kalu to stand as chairman, Hanif vice. Kalu and Hanif should compromise we need both of them. Ponga Liwewe should also come into FAZ has all the contacts. Simata Simata- we had no problems in 1994-when he led FAZ. What is the deputy minister of sport doing in Ghana?
Born Rich, I agree with you, Zambia can go all the way. The so called favourites teams have not impressed. I pray that the money issues are sorted out. I repeat-Cameroun is ill prepared. Z should play as one unit with displine and run at the old men of Cameroun who are past Their Sell By date, C Katongo will score in this game.
#198 Shidada, Windhoek, Namibia
The Money issues have been sorted out. The boys have since been given US$ 2,500 and have been promised the same amount for wins in the next 2 games.
Born Rich, Today it will be Iyeeeee & Chipolopolo in Ghana. Cameroon is beatable and i agree with shidada that the so called favourite teams are not so impressive as expected. Chris is there today in the pitch to show the indomitable lions of cameroon that zambians are there to win the cup.
It is now history i guess……….Zambia will need a miracle for them to ever perform to the lost standard.Other wise the ealier the better,the Gov´t should show see to it that Faz is given a helping hand by putting people like our own Great Kalu in charge of Faz and then we can look at the issue of the trainer.