Zambia attempt to revive their fortunes when they take on Namibia in the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup quarterfinals at Ruafro Stadium in Harare on Sunday at 15:30 hours.
A lot hangs on today’s game for Zambia and coach Herve Renard following a poor 2010 World/Africa Cup Group C qualifying series that has seen the side lose its last three successive matches.
Victory over Namibia today will go some way in Zambia regaining some faith from its football fans.
Assistant coach George Lwandamina said the technicial bench has done enough to prepare Zambia for Namibia despite not having any professionals in the team.
“The team looks set and we have done enough to make sure the team performs well,” Lwandamina said.
The squad comprising only of locally-based players is also expected to have a not too familiar front-line when it takes to the field against Namibia.
Zesco United striker Enock Sakala is expected to make his return to the international fold in over a year after previously featuring regularly under former Zambia coach Patrick Phiri.
Sakala is hoping lightening will strike twice for him in Zambia colors against Namibia.
The Zesco striker scored a brace on his Zambia debut that coincidentally came against Namibia May 26 , 2007 in a friendly match played in Windhoek that visitors won 2-1 in the two sides last meeting prior to Sunday’s COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup quarterfinal clash.
Clubless striker Felix Sunzu is expected to partner Sakala in attack while Henry Banda and Stophilla Sunzu will be Zambia’s key men in midfield.
Zesco defender Hichani Hichoonde is set to captain the team from defence which he will anchor with another experienced hand in Dennis Banda of Green Buffaloes.
Himoonde’s clubmate and goalkeeper Jacob Banda will be out to impress Renard with a good performance against Namibia in the absence of third choice Davey Kaumbwa of Buffaloes.
Meanwhile, winner between Zambia and Namibia will face either Malawi or Mozambique in the semifinals in Bulawayo on Tuesday in Bulawayo.
Mozambique and Malawi are also in action on Sunday at Rufaro two at 13:30 hours prior to Zambia’s match against Namibia.
If u lose tmrw,expect sjamboks @ Chirundu border post,then find yo way to yo various destinations.Lets show some seriousness for once.
Its good that after 5 years in this place, I am this evening headed back to Riverside-Kitwe. Where I can watch the Bullet rise; the almost dead Walya, walya and of course any Kitwe side that is representing us mu li filya baeba. It looks like we may have that chance with Power next year. Ama bloggers bonse continue with the spirit tukesa monana ku Z.
1-0 to Zambia the Sunzu (Stophila) e wa chingisha!
Ba LT you are very slow in updating….other networks have it already that Zambia won by a single goal.