By GWEN CHIPASULA –
FIGHTON Simukonda says pressure will now be on his Zambia Under-23 squad to perform well following the early eliminations of the Chipolopolo, Under-17 and 20 sides at their respective African competitions.
The Zambia under-23 soccer team takes on Nigeria this weekend in the final round first leg qualifiers for a place at the Congo Brazzaville 2015 All Africa Games (AAG) to be held in September.

. Simukonda

Simukonda said after yesterday’s morning training session at Heroes National Stadium that pressure will be on his side to perform because fans would be expecting a good performance to redeem the country following the eliminations of the other teams.
“Pressure is now on us to impress in our assignment and we have no option but to put up a good performance because everyone is expecting the best from us being the team remaining in these continental engagements.” he said.
On Mukuka Mulenga, Simukonda said South Africa-based midfielder would need to be accessed by the team medical team before being ruled out of the qualifier following reports of injury.
Simukonda said it would be a big blow for the team if Mulenga fails to join the squad and that efforts were being made to have in the team.
“He (Mukuka) has not been entirely ruled out until after our doctors here assess him as well. We are yet to find out what the problem and we are waiting for our doctors to look at him before we make a decision.” he said.
Simukonda said the players were focussed on beating Nigeria in the two-legged qualifier to secure a place at the AAG finals.
He said he was happy that most of the players performed well during their weekend MTN-FAZ Super Division matches as that helped them get the much needed fitness ahead of the Nigeria clash.
Meanwhile, he said Bruce Musakanya and Toaster Nsabata, who picked up knocks, were expected to resume training today.