Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
George Lwandamina @ SS com
Zambia coach George Lwandamina has described Wednesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifying win away against Sudan as a hard-fought-for victory.
Chipolopolo beat hosts Sudan 1-0 in a second round, first leg qualifier on a dusty Karima Stadium pitch in Karima town located 400 kilometers north of Khartoum to enhance their chances of progressing on the road to the Russia finals in two years’ time.
“It was a difficult game. Our counterparts wanted to win. They came on us and made it difficult,” Lwandamina said.
“We were cool and at some point got a goal.”
The contest was settled midway through the first half when striker Winston Kalengo punished Sudan goalkeeper Akram Elhadi and defender Ramadan Agab who failed to deal with a cross from Lubambo Musonda in the 27th minute.
Zambia’s goal came after a 20 minute spell in which Sudan squeezed the visitors in their own half but lacked any bit on the final mile.
The two sides meet this Sunday in the final leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in a match in which Zambia need a home draw to advance in the qualifiers.
The winner over both legs will advance to the final group stage qualifiers where Africa’s five representatives at the 2018 Moscow tournament will be decided.