By GWEN CHIPASULA –
Zambia’s dream of making the semi-finals of the ongoing futsal Africa Cup of Nations comes under stern test when the lads face the already qualified Mozambique this evening.
Carrying three points from the opening day win over Tunisia; Zambia needs to win this game to secure passage to the next round especially that they are trailing South Africa on a head-to-head record after losing 3-0 in the second group game.
Coach Augusto Lucio’s side will be hoping that Mozambique, who are on six points having beaten South Africa and Tunisia, will not exert them fully and rest some players ahead of the semi-finals against the tough sides in Group B.
Lucio remains confident his charges can pull off the victory and make the semi-final despite bookmakers tipping Mozambique to win the tie.
“The boys deserve to go to the semi-finals because they have worked hard for this. We just have to win this game because we deserve to be in the semi-finals. The guys are a good team and the game against South Africa really cost us but we will pull through and qualify,” Lucio said.
Captain Arnold Chishala said the team lost focus in the game played against South Africa but are looking at revamping the morale in today’s game.
Meanwhile Adrian Chama, scorer of the hattrick that had Zambia dreaming, said the team will not exit the tournament at the group stage.
Tunisia, who have no point and are out of the competition, will be playing South Africa who are on three points.