adminLUSAKA. — HERVE Renard says Chipolopolo stands a better chance of qualifying for the African Nations Championship because they did not concede any goals against Zimbabwe on Sunday. Zambia host Zimbabwe this weekend at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the return leg of the final CHAN qualifier following Sunday’s goalless draw, with the winner over both legs qualifying to the final competition set for South Africa in January.
Renard said the goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Harare was good.
“I think this (the draw) is good for us. We will not be chasing the game in the second leg as we did not concede here (in Zimbabwe) and I’m sure we will qualify,”
Renard’s assistant, Masautso Mwale, says Zambia could have done better in Harare.
“They did their home work and prepared well for us. We have played them a number of times this year, but we could have done better than this,” said Mwale.
Chipolopolo showed early signs of hunger when sensational Red Arrows midfielder Bruce Musakanya tested Zimbabwe goal keeper Tafadzwa Dube in the first minute with a solo effort.
However, Zimbabwe settled quickly and Chipolopolo defender Christopher Munthali cleverly shielded the ball from rampaging Zimbabwe strikers for goalkeeper Danny Munyau to easily gather the ball in the fifth minute. Two minutes later striker Milton Ncube had his vicious shot saved by Munyau in the Zambian goal as Zimbabwe dominated early possession.
Zimbabwe continued piling pressure and Peter Moyo’s cross was met by Ndoro who shot wide from close range in the 21stminute.
With Zimbabwe looking comfortable in midfield, Renard was forced to make an early substitution, introducing Nkana midfielder Sydney Kalume for Misheck Chaila on the 22nd minute. Zambia right back Jimmy Chisenga’s cross was met by Musakanya’s header but it went inches away from goal in the 31st minute.
On resumption, Renard introduced Bonwell Mwape for Evans Kangwa while Ncube was rested for Tawanda in a like-for-like substitution.
The game became a cagey affair but Zimbabwe’s Moyo almost headed in the opener in the 60th minute but his header went nervously wide. — The Post
Online Reporter