Zambia try to stay in sight of South Africa’s rear-view mirror

Zambia face Chad at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe in their penultimate 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Group 11 qualifier.

2nd placed Zambia on 7 points are looking for a win to keep their chances of reaching next years tournament alive and stay in close sight of leaders South Africa’s rear-view mirror and who are away to 3rd positioned Congo-Brazzaville at Pointe Noire on Sunday.

Victory for Zambia on Saturday would take Group 11 to the wire when Patrick Phiri’s boys travel to South Africa, who are currently on 10 points, in the final game on September 8 should the latter falter at Pointe Noire on Sunday.

Chad meanwhile are win-less and with one goal to talk about from their last four Group 11 games while Zambia will be hoping for another good result against their guests whom they beat 2-0 in their opening Group 11 game in N’Djamena last September 2.

Coach Patrick Phiri should field the same starting line-up that beat Congo-Brazzaville on June 2 at the same venue led by French Ligue 2 club Chateauroux striker Jacob Mulenga who set the tone with the opening goal in that match.

However, the pressure is on the much -favored striker Collins Mbseuma who has going into now gone two days short of straight years without scoring a competitive goal for Zambia.

Mbesuma’s last official goal for Zambia was recorded at the same venue in a 2-1 win over Mali on June 18, 2005 in a jointed 2006 Africa/World Cup qualifier.

With Captain Chris Katongo, Songwe Chalwe including the recalled winger Clifford Mulenga available, Phiri has a smile on his face but it is in midfield and defence where he is having sleepless nights.

But Zambia’s lack of an athoritative playmaker or defensive midfielder is sure to continue as Rainford Kalaba struggles to replicate his form at Zesco United to the Green shirt of Chipolopolo.
Moreover, an attempt to bolster Zambia’s midfield with Andrew Sinkala of 2.Bundesliga has been meet with a snub from the player while Isaac Chansa was not considered all together.

However like in attack, Phiri has good cover in defence despite the absence of veteran defender Elijah Tana who will miss the Chad game due to injury.

And so Zanaco defender Kennedy Nkethani, who replaced Tana in the June 2 game, is set to renew his central defensive duties with Billy Mwanza plus Phiri has some extra cover on the bench in the form of Under-23 and Lusaka Dynamos player Hichani Himoonde.

In goal, Phiri is set to give Kennedy Mweene the nod ahead of George Kolala after a good outing against against Congo-Brazzaville at the same venue.