Wedson optimistic after CHAN draw

Coach Wedson Nyirenda is upbeat Zambia will qualify for CHAN 2018 after Saturday’s 2-2 draw away in South Africa in the first leg match of the final round.

Chipolopolo fought back from 2-0 down to force a draw against Bafana Bafana thanks to late goals from Power Dynamos striker Martin Phiri and his Zanaco counterpart Augustine Mulenga.

In a post-match interview, Nyirenda said Chipolopolo should finish off South Africa in the return match in Ndola this Saturday.

“The draw has given us the impetus and more confidence to go and finish the work at home. The two goals we have scored away will give us a good dimension in the home game,” Nyirenda said.

“We are going to be more cautious at home. If we can score here, they can score at home,” he said.

Nyirenda also saluted South Africa based Zambians fans for cheering his boys.

“I would like to thank our supporters here in South Africa. They have shown us that we are really loved here. They have done a great job here,” he said.

Supporters in Lusaka and Ndola booed Chipolopolo during the friendly match against Ethiopia that finished goalless at Woodlands Stadium on August 5 and in a 2019 AFCON qualifying 1-0 home loss against Mozambique at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on June 10.

“We were 2-0 down in the first half but they kept on chanting Chipolopolo, Chipolopolo and that’s the Zambian way we know. They gave us the much needed energy,” Nyirenda added.