Zambia striker Justin Shonga says the pressure is on Bafana Bafana heading into Saturday’s 2018 CHAN qualifier decider at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Chipolopolo rallied to finish 2-2 in the first leg on August 12 away in East London when Augustine Mulenga scored in stoppage time of the 90th minute to deny Bafana a precious home leg advantage.
This will be the two sides third meeting in 2017 after Zambia earlier beat Bafana 2-1 away in a friendly at Moruleng Stadium on June 13 when Chipolopolo also came from one-down to win this time.
“We have an advantage because we have played them there twice and this is the first home game. We drew and beat them in the first game in the friendly,” the Nkwazi striker said.
“We have got away two goals so we just have to defend here and also find the back of the net.”
Shonga added that he was eager to do his part and score his second CHAN qualifier goal after netting on July 22 in a 3-0 home win over Swaziland that saw Zambia advance to the final round date with Bafana 7-0 on aggregate.
“The team is not under pressure we have take each game as it comes. We have our fans behind us so we just have to play our game and win it on Saturday,” Shonga said.
Meanwhile, Power Dynamos striker Alex Ngonga joined camp on Wednesday evening to add to some bite to Zambia’s attack.
Ngonga missed the first leg meeting to prepare for his wedding.
Winner on Saturday will qualify to the tournament Kenya will host from January 11 to February 2.
Zambia are seeking their third CHAN outing after finishing 3rd in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire and reaching the quarterfinals at Rwanda 2016.
Dont under rate them. Just play as if you no advantage.
Dont under rate them. Just play as if you have no advantage.
The can beat us by a lone goal, then we are in trouble
Is the game going to be televised?