Zambia Under-20 soccer team coach Hector Chilombo says a lot of work needs to be done before qualification to the Senegal 2015 Africa Youth Championship (AYC) is assured despite carrying a 2-1 lead over Malawi.
Chilombo, who watched his side claim two away goals over Malawi in the final round, first leg match played in Blantyre on Saturday, has warned his team against complacency heading into the reverse match set for August 30 at Nkoloma Stadium as the junior flames were good travellers.
Zambia, seeking a seventh appearance at the youth continental biggest tournament, scored through Larry Bwalya in the 15th minute before Charles Zulu doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute at Kamuzu Stadium but Malawi reduced the deficit through a Chawanangwa Kawonga penalty seven minutes later.
“I am happy with this result but this is just the first leg, the tie is not over until it is over. I am happy for the boys because this result means we are one step away from Senegal. Malawi has been winning away so we will not go back and relax. We will go back and plan because it will not be easy but the boys will do it in Lusaka,” Chilombo told fazfootball.com.
Malawi coach Ernest Mtawali said the display by his charges was the worst he had seen in the qualifiers.
“I think the problem is that we were sleeping in the first half. This is the worst game we have ever played. But really I do not know why every time we play at home it’s like the players do not believe in themselves.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo interim coach Honour Janza has included three of the Zambia Under-20 players that were in the team that beat Malawi at the weekend.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communications manager Nkweto Tembwe said in a statement that defenders Kayawe Kapota (Kafue Celtic) and Alex Mwamba (Power Dynamos) as well as striker Patrick Ngoma (Red Arrows) were expected to join the rest of the local Chipolopolo that regrouped in Lusaka yesterday.
Nkweto said the three have been called as replacements for the Nkana trio of Christopher Munthali, Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba and Simon Bwalya, who are expected to fly out this week to Ivory Coast to play Sewe Sport in a CAF Confederations Cup match.
Janza has summoned 26 players to prepare for the friendly match against Sudan set for August 31 at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka.
The squad has goalkeepers Joshua Titima, Toaster Nsabata, Danny Munyao and Edison Phiri while the defenders are Jimmy Chisenga, Alick Tembo, Adrian Chama, George Chilufya, Kayawe Kapota, Nyambe Mulenga, Fackson Kapumbu and Roderick Kabwe.
The midfielders are, Richard Kasonde, Justin Zulu, Shaderick Malambo, Kennedy Mudenda, Timothy Mbewe, Jacob Phiri, Bruce Musakanya, Alex Mwamba, Julius Situmbeko and Evans Musonda. Moses Phiri, Patrick Ngoma, Jackson Mwanza and Josphat Kasusu are the strikers.
