Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Benson Salala of Zambia and Keagan Dolly of South Africa during the U 23 African Cup of Nations
Despite losing two of their of their 2015 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations matches, Zambia will hope to at least exit with dignity and beat hosts Senegal on Friday.
Fighton Simukonda’s side lost 2-1 to Tunisia and 3-2 to South Africa with their upcoming match against the Lions presenting an opportunity for them to bag a win.
Chipolopolo did everything they could to redeem themselves against their Southern African rivals, but they couldn’t finish the job and Simukonda will hope to see the likes of Conlyde Luchanga and Billy Mutale, who scored on Tuesday, to be on target once again on Friday.
Chipolopolo are placed at the bottom of Group A with zero pints having lost twice.
Looking at the hosts, they top the group with six points from their two consecutive wins.
Speaking after the match, the Zambian coach said they’re disappointed with the loss but will have to fight for a win against Serigne Saliou Dia’s side.
“In my team everyone is disappointed because we played so well in the first half,” said Simukonda.
“We thought in the second half we were going to finish them, but unfortunately things came down, we slept and were punished.
“We came here to at least reach the semifinals ,but unfortunately luck is not with us but against Senegal we are not taking things lightly because we have to win.”
On the other hand, the hosts have already qualified for the semifinals and will look to make it three wins in a row.
After their 2-0 win over Tunisia on Tuesday, the coach expressed happiness and hailed his players as well as the supporters, however, he said some of his players are tired.
“We need to congratulate the fans who came in numbers to support us, as well as the players who gave everything to win this game,” said Saliou Dia.
“We managed to unsettle our opponents, who come from a great football nation.
“Some of our players are tired, but we can rely on an interchangeable squad.”
Although Zambia’s dream of making it to the Olympics next year in Brazil is shattered, the Lions coach may be tempted to rest some of his key players and prepare for the knockout stages to keep their Rio de Janeiro dream alive.
The match will be staged at 17:00 and the venue is the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar.
MTN Football