Chambeshi said he was expecting another tough match against a third European side Zambia would face in this competition adding that the Italians were a good side but beatable.
“The boys will need to be mentality and physically ready, they have played big teams here already and have fought the war before. So they have to be strong enough on the pitch so that we meet Italy in a good frame of mind,” he said.
Zambia eliminated Germany 4-3 in the round of 16 in Jeju while Italy overcame their rivals France 2-1 in the other tie played in Cheonan.
“We have played two European teams (Portugal and Germany) already and those were very tough games and we equally expect a tough game against Italy. This is a game that brings two sides playing good football but we have to respect each other for having reached this far,” he said.
Chambeshi said he was confident that his players would overcome any obstacle in-front of them as they target winning the title.
“I am enjoying the games, a good tournament and yes we have had tough games but my boys are strong and courageous to face any obstacle in-front of them. We have to continue believing in ourselves,” he said.
Chambeshi said Zambia is a footballing nation and it was not surprising that the team has reached this far in the competition surpassing the 1999 and 2007 teams.
“Games have not been easy and our wins have not been flukes because we fought for them and we have been playing good football. Italy would be a different ball game, I expect a good game and may the best team carry the day,” he said.
He thanked Zambians for the support rendered to the team and urged them to do the same on Monday and coming games.
Meanwhile, the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games memories have continued to be re-rekindled in Chambeshi’s mind when he learnt of Zambia’s opponents in the quarterfinals.
“Fresh memories indeed, we beat them (Italy) but it was not easy….I think we won them 2-0 in the President’s Cup and at the Olympics 4-0. They have got fresh memories also but yes these are new boys with new style of play and were not involved that time,” he said.
And the Italians arrived in Suown yesterday and are accommodated at the Ramada Hotel, same as the Zambian team.
i don’t want to say. Yakosa. 50-50
Chambeshi talks sense and likeable, boys playing well because of team leadership, no threats like we hear from Lungu government.
In this article they have mentioned that zambia will play Italy but some of us don’t even know when the game will be played. Ba LSK times and reporting awe sure. problem with LSK times they copy from QFM, Muvie, Mwebantu websites and paste on their site.
@House Fly – the following is the opening paragraph of this article:
COACH Beston Chambeshi has said Zambia would need to be mentally and physically ready when they face Italy on Monday and reach the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup finals here in South Korea.
It is clearly stated that the game will be played on Monday.
Cursed Lungu must NOT send any message to the boys for now. The curse might be transferred! He must wait.
Yes indeed Best on, they are a good team ,but beatable. Muster your best troops and instil that sense of a commando who does not fear death but defeat. Marshall them to the battle come Monday knowing fully well that the whole African continent is behind them in support & and that mother Zambia will in the trenches equally firing prayers. Go to gold boys!!
Ama bey, quick silver, bring the gold to Zambia.
Dear Housefly, the Zambia v Italy kicks off @ 10hrs Zambian time (CAT) on Monday 5th June 2017!
I wish our lads all the best, “mpaka litente, mpaka litulike!”…
Thank you very much boys for making Zambians change from always talking about politics to something which they forget about tribe,- SOCCER. God is talking to us through the boys. I long a time when Zambian politics will be like soccer where tribe is not the issue.
@kachana,uli tako saana.cursed is hh languishing in jail becouse of his stupid and foolish.stop insulting the president.
Lungu is always disrespected by ungreatful citizens….a president who helped the team do enough preparations is now a cursed man towards zambis success. When comenting football lets comment footbal and when its time for politics, we honour it like tht……grow up and see the truth. Blinded by fake and unthoughtful presidents who will never rule….i feel sorry for u.
@Nose drum & ali salad! Losers! God bless Mr. President! God bless Zambia!
I am sorry alisad! I misread your comment! Please forgive me! Only this boy with a nose needs to be disciplined!
Please don’t involve politics to football (Zambia Italy) 3-1