By GWEN CHPASULA –
THE ejection of the Zambia Under-20 squad from the 2015 African Youth Championship has left the soccer fans heartbroken and wondering why local teams have been consistently been knocked out early this year.
Hector Chilombo’s charges were eliminated from the continental showpiece for the Under-20 after losing 2-1 to Ghana in a Group B match in Mbour, Senegal on Thursday night.
The Zambia Under-20 team had earlier lost to Mali 1-0 in the first game and will now play for pride in the final group against regional rivals, South Africa, who were equally ejected.
In January, the senior national team failed to come out of the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and last month, the Under-17 followed suit at the Niger Africa Junior Championship.
Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association (CSFA) chairperson, Yotham Mwanza said it was sad that the Under-20 team lost both games and that it was evident lack of adequate preparations cost Zambia in Senegal.
Mwanza said the Under-20 squad only had one friendly match prior to going to Senegal which was detrimental to Zambia’s aspirations.
“The boys only had one friendly against Senegal, seriously how do you expect them to go very far in the competition? It is luck of enough preparations that has lead to the early elimination,” he said.
. Makembo
Zambia Sports Fans Association chairperson, Peter Makembo said the Under-20 put up a good fight against Ghana but unfortunately failed to hold on to the lead, allowing the West Africans to snatch a 2-1 victory.
Makembo, however, urged the team not to lose focus but redeem themselves in the final Group B match against South Africa.
“The boys did the best they could. We saw it especially that they took the lead, it is sad that they are out of the competition but that does not mean they have to lose focus. They should win their game against South Africa and it will somehow help heal the pain.” he sai.
Zambia Football Coaches Association vice-president, Lewis Shambulo, a former Under-20 trainer, said it was unfortunate the team failed to reach the semi-finals and ultimately qualify to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Shambulo said he felt the players lacked enough exposure by not having a number of international friendly matches before the Senegal games.
