By GODFREY DUBE –
THE Zambia women’s team will today begin a tough quest of making it to the Ghana 2018 Africa women Championship (AWC) away to nemesis Tanzania in Dar-es-salaam.
Fresh in the minds of the Zambian fans is the 3-0 humiliation at home by Kenya in an international friendly in Kitwe which the team would love to erase.
Zambia coach Albert Kachinga however, gave a reassuring response that his team is ready and will carry the day against the Twiga Stars.
He admitted anything other than a win in this first round first leg match would be demoralising for the Shepolopolo.
He said the AWC was an important tournament that the team will not want to miss out on.
Kachinga said it was important for his lasses to finish off the Twiga Stars in the first leg to avoid pressure when they play the return leg at home.
“Our target is to win with a big scoreline. We must finish off the game here in Tanzania so that the return leg is not that a burden. I have demanded 100 per cent from all the players,” Kachinga said.
Kachinga admitted the team was lacking experience and exposure but was good enough to carry the day and deliver the much needed result.
“Today’s game is a do or die. We have told the girls to put in their best to give a good start in the qualifiers. All players are eager to get into action,” he said.
He said his lasses would not underrate Tanzania stating they were a good side but the 90 minutes of play would tell who comes out as a winner.
Kachinga will however miss the services of under-17 striking sensational Christabel Phiri who sustained a soft tissue ankle injury in camp and yet to get to full fitness.
The coach still has the reliable Misozi Zulu, Grace Chanda and Rhoda Chileshe among other players to get a positive result.
“They just have to believe and be able to apply themselves in the game. We worked on most of the lapses and the team is ready for the encounter,” Kachinga said.
The winner of the two legged tie goes into the last round of qualifiers to play the victor of the Zimbabwe versus Namibia tie. The second and last round will be played in June.