We are on a face-saving mission – Zambia coach Sredojevic
Zambia optimistic ahead of Botswana clash
JOHANNESBURG, November 11 (ANA) – Zambia will be on a mission to restore their pride and improve their slim chances of making it to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) when they host Botswana in their qualifier match in Lusaka on Thursday.
The 2012 Afcon champions head into match-day three rock bottom of Group H on zero points, visitors Botswana are third on one point, while Zimbabwe and Algeria have four and six points respectively.
Zambia’s dire situation follows successive defeats exactly a year ago, starting with a humbling 5-0 away loss to holders Algeria, followed by a 2-1 home defeat to Zimbabwe. Those two results sent early concerns of Zambia failing to qualify for a third successive Afcon.
A new man has been hired to carry out the salvage job in the form of ex-Zamalek, Orlando Pirates and Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic who replaced interim coach Aggrey Chiyangi in February.
“With zero points, one goal scored, and seven conceded, we are now on saving-face mission against Botswana,” Sredojevic said. “So we shall do this is with total focus, total possible attention to theoretical awareness, be physically fit, technically effective and tactically competitive so that we get the desired result on November 12.”
The match will also be Sredojevic’s competitive debut after the Covid-19 pandemic saw March’s earlier Group H double-header dates against Botswana and Chan 2020 outing in April rescheduled.
Sredojevic has since then only enjoyed a diet of friendlies winning five and losing one of his six matches in charge.
Sredojevic will go into the game without striker Patson Daka of Austria’s RB Salzburg due to an injury he sustained on European Champions League. But Daka’s club teammate and influential midfielder Enock Mwepu is available together with striker Fashion Sakala of Belgium’s KV Oostende.
Zambia will also start life in a transitional phase without veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, including captain and TP Mazembe defender Kabaso Chongo, as Sredojevic begins his regeneration process.
Sebastian Mwange of South Africa’s Maritzburg United, who has been one of Mweene’s understudies, is expected to get the number one shirt in the next two qualifying fixtures against Botswana.
Sredojevic has also recalled striker Justin Shonga and midfielder Augustine Mulenga whom he left out of his October friendlies citing technical reasons, after the duo endured a difficult season at their former club Orlando Pirates.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo and Botswana complete their Group H doubleheader on November 19 in Francistown. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman
