•CHIPOLOPOLO defenders Christopher Munthali (right) and Boyd Mkandawire (left) keep Mozambique’s Gildo Vilanculos at bay during the African Nations Championship final round, first leg match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday. Zambia beat Mozambique 3-0. Picture by GWEN CHIPASULA

By KALUMIANA KALUMIANA –
MOZAMBIQUE coach Helder ‘Mano-Mano’ Muianga has admitted that The Mambas have an uphill battle at home this Saturday to overturn their 3-0 away loss against Zambia in the Rwanda 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
Zambia moved one step towards CHAN qualification for the first time since 2009 when they crushed Mozambique in a final round, first leg tie at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday.
Muianga said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday prior to departure for Maputo that Winston Kalengo’s opening goal in the 77th minute plus the partisan crowds’ roar thereafter psychologically defeated his charges.
“It is going to be tough looking at the record we have against Zambia,” Mano Mano said as Mozambique’s win-less run against Zambia extended to 13 defeats and three draws.
“We have 90 minutes we are going to do our best to try and equalize. If Zambia can score three goals in eight minutes we still have 90 minutes and we are going to try,” he said.
Mozambique held out Zambia in the first half before Chipolopolo fired three late goals in the second half through Kalengo, Conlyde Luchanga and Spencer Sautu in the 77th, 80th and 90th minutes respectively.
“It is going to be crucial for us we will try and get the first goal and equalize and then see how it goes but it is going to be difficult,” Muianga said.
Zambia need a draw this weekend away in Maputo to qualify for the Rwanda finals after failing to reach the 2011 and 2014 tournaments.
Meanwhile, SANDRA MWILA reports that Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president has implored the Chipolopolo to use the CHAN qualifiers to prepare adequately for the Russia 2018 FIFA World cup qualifier against Sudan.
Kalusha said the Chipolopolo should work hard and put in their best because Sudan will not be a walk over.
He said the game will be tough because Sudan was a good side that has given the Chipolopolo a difficult time in the past.
“The boys should prepare adequately against Sudan it won’t be easy because they have always complicated matters for us. Sudan won’t take this game lightly they will have everything to fight for,the lost points to us and also beat us at home,” he said.