Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
FLASHBACK: Zambia midfielder Augustine Mulenga (right) battles with Nigeria skipper John Obi Mikel during a 2018 Russia World Cup qualifier in Uyo
Zambia will take aim at Sudan when the teams meet in the second quarterfinal of the 2018 African Nations Championship, set for Saturday at the Stade Marrakech.
Kick-off is at 9.30pm CAT.
Zambia topped Group B thanks to impressive wins over Uganda and Ivory Coast, before settling for a 1-1 draw with Southern Africans rivals and fellow quarterfinal qualifiers – Namibia on Monday night.
Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda was not impressed by his side’s performance in the draw with the Brave Warriors and will want to see them go up a gear or two for their clash with Sudan.
“My boys were complacent today. I thought it was going to be an easy game as both teams had already qualified. They [Namibia] played a very good and organised game. But we are showing that we want to win despite the difficulties we get on the pitch and we managed to equalise,” Nyirenda said after the game against Namibia.
Sudan were runners-up in Group A, with narrow but deserved victories over Guinea and Mauritania followed by a goalless stalemate with hosts Morocco (who changed their line-up and rested many key players).
The Falcons of Jediane have flown under the radar at Chan so far, but coach Zdravko Logarusic insists they are worthy of their place in the last eight and are not in Morocco to simply make up the numbers.
“We have done well so far. We are not here as tourists. We are here to compete,” Lugarusic explained.
According to Fifa statistics, Zambia and Sudan have met in 21 matches: Chipolopolo have claimed 11 wins compared to six for the Falcons. The winners will advance into the second semifinal, set to be held in Marrakech next week Wednesday.