Isaac Chansa advises Chipolopolo boys not to play an open game!
2012 AFCON winner, Isaac Chansa, has encouraged the Zambia national team not to play an open in tonight’s opening game against DR Congo, citing reasons from the previous night’s game between South Africa and Mali.
After watching South Africa’s open game against Mali yesterday night, the former Chipolopolo and Orlando Pirates midfielder known as “Zife” said that Mali capitalised on the game and did their job well, and Zambia should take note of this against the Leopards.
A win or a draw, he said, is a requirement in an open match since Zambian supporters have great expectations and the match between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo is similar to a derby, meaning it will not be an easy one.
“We did well during qualifying matches; we ended with excellent points, but this is a competition, and I am sure the coach has worked on defender weaknesses very well, which will be fine, but defence starts with midfielders.” He said.
And patron of the Zambia Sports Fans Association, Pastor Peter Makembo is happy and confident that the Chipolopolo lads will defeat the neighbouring Swahili-speaking country in their first match tonight.
Peter Makembo, who is still looking for sponsorship to travel to West Africa with his band, stated that the DR Congo team lacks attacking efficiency and has failed to score in three of their last five internationals, including a goalless draw against Angola in their AFCON warm-up match.
“Even if I am not physically with the team for their first game, I will be there spiritually,” said Pastor Makembo. “I am 100 percent sure they will win their first game, and if traveling by road to support them will do so for their second game.”
The Chipolopolo boys take on the Leopards in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group F match this evening at 22:00 at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San-Pedro, Ivory Coast.
Both countries have a history of AfCON glory, with the Democratic Republic of Congo, once known as Zaire, winning two editions in 1968 and 1974, when they were considered the kings of the continent.
However, over 95% of their DR Congo team plays in professional leagues outside, and the same is true for Zambia. The powerhouse of southern Africa can shock everyone by repeating their 2012 tournament victory.
When Zambia and DR Congo last met each other, it resulted in a 1-1 tie in the 2015 AfCON. Since then, DR Congo has only triumphed once against Zambia, while the Copper Bullets have won twice.
Zambia’s attack has improved under Avram Grant, with nine goals in their last six games. They have only failed to score once, in a 1-0 loss to Egypt in October of last year.
By Walusungu Silweya
NKAN