Zambia’s quest to redeem themselves at the COSAFA U20 Cup continues on Tuesday when they face their trans-Zambezi neighbours Zimbabwe in the semifinals at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Both sides are on a roll after disappointing group stage exits at the 2017 tournament also hosted by Zambia.
But the pressure is squarely on Zambia who relinquished the crown last December in Kitwe a year after lifting it away in South Africa.
Although Zambia have struggled to convince in the group stages, they are unbeaten heading into the semifinals with 2-0 and 1-0 Group A wins over Malawi and DR Congo respectively before Mozambique held them to a 1-1 draw but still finished top on 7 points.
“We have picked up the pieces and it doesn’t matter what team comes our way. We will go for it,” Zambia coach Charles Bwale said.
But Zambia have suffered a setback with impact substitute striker Mwiya Malumo ruled out with a knee injury he sustained in the draw against Mozambique.
“Mwiya Malumo stretched his lateral medial ligaments on the left knee and he has not been able to train this (Monday) morning,” team doctor James Nyimbili said.
“Because of the same problem, he is obviously ruled out of Tuesday’s match.”
The spotlight will now fall on the player he has replaced at the tournament, midfielder Lameck Banda, who has continued to blow hot-an- cold at Under-20 level.
Banda has struggled to replicate his fine domestic club form at Zesco United where he was also been convincing in the 2018 CAF Champions League campaign.
Meanwhile, the winner will face the victor of the Angola versus tournament defending champions South Africa tie who meet in the early lunchtime kickoff at the same venue.
The final will also be played at Nkana on December 13 after it was brought forward from December 14 due to Nkana FC’s 2018/2019 CAF Champions League second round, first leg date there against Simba SC of Tanzania on December 15.
Best of luck … make the smart people of the Zambian Enterprise proud this time.
I am rooting hard for you!!!
“If HH will be on the bench to coach Zambia, Zambia will beat Zimbabwe,” Larry Mweetwa. BaMENTAL.
I know whom HAKAINDE, BoSPakata and Mweetwa are rooting for.
All best Chipolopolo. Make your siamese twin tap out. She should know that you are older, thereby, the sole heir to the throne. Ba Zambia iyee Ba Zambia Chipolopolo iyee Chipolopolo
Nice on Zizo. They should know we are big brother in football circles. They can try cricket!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yaaaah!Iyeee!Zooooona!Mu Zambia,Boola katwishi.Chi Coach bushe chafuma kwisa?Nshakulafitamba nomba chapwa.The usual words each time we fumble.Awe kawele.Ni lekaleka.