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WE HAVE THE ABILITY AND SKILL TO BEAT GHANA

By Entertainment Editor
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With just over 24 hours before the semi final clash against the Black Stars, Chipolopolo trainer Herve Renard says his copper bullets have the ability and skill to beat Ghana when the two teams clash at the Bata Stadium at 17:00hours local time, 18:00hours Zambia and Central African Time (CAT).
Addressing a packed press conference at the Chipolopolo Melik Hotel in Bata this morning, Renard added, “The most important thing is that we believe in ourselves. Some people may have laughed at us before the start of the tournament but we remained confident and worked hard to achieve the target of doing better than we did in Angola in 2010. Now we have the chance to go to the final. We have the confidence, the maturity and got it all.”
Skipper Chris Katongo said while the match would be tough because of the two teams similar patterns of play, Zambia was ready for the challenge and would fight to win.
“We know their names but when we get to the pitch, we want to beat them. Its eleven against eleven and time to make a name for ourselves and for the young players in the team to move up,” Katongo said.
Influential midfielder Rainford Kalaba and defender Francis Kasonde said they were ready and will not be bothered by the so called big names in the Ghana team.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

Entertainment Editor
Entertainment Editor

92 COMMENTS

  1. We have got the skill and ability. Throw in a bit of will power too!! Go boys, thats the spirit. Go Chipolopolo, GO!!

  2. But if they can just remain focused and resolute. They can make it. They are impresive on the ball.

  3. Me like the confidence the well wishers have in our boys, go Zedians gooooooooooo! With new technology, the sky is no longer the limit.

  4. Go Zambia Go we are behind you all the way. The game should be won in Mid Field and we should be home and dry. I think our style of play at the AFCON is about the most superior compared to the teams present, so I’ll fancy a Zambia/Ivory Coast final which we shall win with a convincing 2-1. Go Chipolopolo go

  5. Yes zambian team have what it takes to win the game, if they only remain focused throughout the game, and just see how ghana struggled to win againist tunisia, there is nothing spetacular about your opponents just go boys go

  6. Zambia have been talking a lot lately. They will do this, do that bla, bla bla. Ok, when the time comes, they will have to respect the Black Stars. Let the field do the talking!!!

    • Reply to Peter – Obviously you haven’t read around the media to see how underrated Zambia are. Ghana have been bragging about this and that. Football is psychological mate. We will stuff them mate. On the pitch – we have have been loud and proud. The odds are against us but the we will do a fair bit of talking on the pitch. Zambia has been winning lately my friend not talking as loud as the overrated West Africans. They have already started counting their chickens. The final is IC v Ghana and all that Nonsense. Us , we are taking each game as it comes. In Style.
      Form is temporary and class is permanent. At the moment we are in top shape and class is there to be seen. Zambia is simply the most watchable team at this tournament. Let our critics eat their words.

    • OH Peter even if you were playing a strong team you do not say we shall lose, do you? there’s a build up to the game the players need a psychological boost!! AFCON ’96 it was predicted to be a zambia-ghana final at this stage, but it ended up to be a s/africa-tunisia final. I predict a zambia-mali final

    • Ba Peter, scared of the unknown. Black stars, are just a team like ours and not even better. We are going to see football come Wednesday!

    • Reply To Peter (2) By the way what’s you nationality and where is your team playing ? It’s a big occasion which doesn’t come round everyday. We’re milking the moment and yes, we shall talk as much as we please. As much as we respect the black stars we respect our right to have meaningful discussions too. It’s called banter. We are bracing ourselves for the big occasion, respect our right to free discussion. Black Stars’ fans are probably doing the same thing. Go to their site if we are doing your head in. The last thing we need on this site is negative vibes without substance. We have a right to plan and say what we will do. It’s our prerogative. We refuse to be patronised by some seemingly Black Stars admirer. We are Chipolopolo. Leave us alone – will ya ?

  8. we should not concede any goals remaining two games. I am interested in the next FIFA brain washing ranking that comes out next week on the 15th

  10. The pressure will be on them. We need to be calm and avoid giving the ball away unnecessarily. Keep it tight at the back and play our flowing football. Patience will be the key. Ghana are not very good at defending set pieces. Keep the ball on the grass. One team is lethal on the counter. We need to keep the midfield solid. Ghana are highly overrated because the have a fare share of mercenaries plying their trade in Europe. Our players are more geared towards the cause. I will put a descent bet on. Its 4 – 1 Odds Zambia Straight Win

    Come On Chipolopolo. Let’s give overrated Ghana a good Hiding. They are due a lesson in Footie. Go Zanbia Go …..

  14. Not the easiest of opponents to beat but all the best to the boys. We are well able to beat Ghana. My brother is married to a Ghanain lady and I am thinking it will be interesting to watch the match in their home.

  18. Whatever happens tomorrow, the boyz have been a revalation to all and people have sat up and taken notice, well done guys. Best of luck tomorrow,….

  22. Zambia ha been in Bata for sometime now, Ghana only jetted in Monday. We played our game within 90 minutes without straining too much and a day earlier than Ghana. Ghana had a grueling ncounter with Tunisia which lasted 120 minutes with seevral harsh tackles including one whish sent their captain John Mensha out.
    So on balance, Zambia has more advatanges than Ghana in taking this game and our boys are at their height in confidence. I have no doubt, Zambia will have a good game and it is not beyond us to beat Ghana!!!

  23. Just an addition, the fact that Zambia is going into this agme as underdogs, according to the book amkers and have nothing to lose, but playing at their adopted home ground gives them extra steam. we will most likely carry the day in Bata tomorrow!!!!

  24. This reminds me of that great handsome man called George Mungwa (MHSRIP) who took the team to the finals with his champhane football in 1994. He was cool and mature. He brought a lot of glory to Zambia. 3 COSAFA cups etc. Such people should be honoured posthumously. Even just name a statudium some building or road.

  25. Orange CAN 2012: Referees for Semi-final matches on the 08/02/2012
    Zambia v Ghana
    Officials Name Nationality
    Referee/Arbitre Benouza Mohamed Algeria
    Assistant 1 Achik Redhouane Morocco
    Assistant 2 Birumushahu Jean-Claude Burundi
    4th Official/4ème Officiel Djameil Haimoudi Algeria

  26. No 14. ..I doubt if your brother is married to a west african lady?? Its quite unusual for a zambian man to marry a west african girl..ukhuluku anyway it will be a tough game against the black stars and it shall be more exciting than the final match whoever will reach the final. Good luck chipolopolo we have been denied this cup for many years, let the Kamanga’s , Simata of this world be proved wrong.

    • Sure! I have been wanting to listern to Mr Kamanga and Mr Simata’s views. They are now very much mute. I would be interested to hear what they have to say now that we are in the semi’s.

  27. #25 Is it for biological reasons that a Zambian man can not marry a west African? Just like our friends(men) from oriental countries cannot `match` with African women. The other way round it is simply wonderful. Anyway we are talking soccer….. Go Zambia go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. We need early 2 early goals and continue attacking up to the last whistle. I love your confidence and determinations.

  29. Ghana like to play the ball. It will work in our favour because we are more fluid on the ball. Here are things we need to do tactically:

    1. Keep possession (avoid giving the ball away cheaply) No long Balls
    2. Move the ball in the middle of the park quickly. Hit them on the break
    3. Keep a Tight Defense ( avoid conceding an early goal )
    4. Keep the game simple ( avoid exuberance )
    5. An early Goal for us could unsettle them so we have to attack earlier on
    6. They are vulnerable on set pieces ( Have a go at them )
    7. Maintain a good shape out of possession ( retain the ball pronto )
    8. Play with patience
    9. Get Kalaba in the game ( He will slaughter them )
    10. Try to hit the target ( They have a dodgy keeper )

    And finnally

  34. The Media especially in England have not taken Zambia seriously yet because they are so preoccupied with countries who have players playing in the EPL. Now this is a great opportunity for our players to market themselves on the World Stage. Let’s show them what we can do stuffing the mercenaries and make them choke on their Pepe Soup. We are a technically superior team so there’s nothing to fear. They’ve got so called “Big Names” in their squad but when the final whistle goes and (hopefully) we’ve won – all those big names won’t mean jack. We need to cease our moment. We have a young skilful side with sublime skills
    ( who deserve to play in Europe ) C’Mon Zambia – Get Your Mojo On – NOW’S THE TIME – LET’S STUFF THEM Key Player – Rainford Kalaba (Top Playmaker – Genius)

  35. Zambia cant beat Ghana unless a miracle happens. its a fact based on previous statistics. Ghana is too strong and too experienced over zambia. If Zambia wins it will just be luck. Its ivory coast versus ghana in the final.

    • #35 Football my friend is not a true science!!!! if it was, senegal would not have gone out in the group stages; Nigeria, Egypt, cameroon etc would have made the group stages. You can neva say neva, i can name alot of big upsets (remember France v Senegal in the world cup???) but i would rather concentrate on Zambia. Anything can and will happen tomoro; be rest assured that luck will have nothing to do with it. Zambia will win on their own merits, today they are underdogs…come tomoro heros. Pliz don’t write us off yet, we have 90 minutes to get ourselves to Gabon for the final. Attack is the best form of defence and Zambia has a great attacking force and several individuals who can score goals. Fire them copper bullets, Ghana has nothing on chipolopolo boys!! Go, Go Go Zambia!!!!

    • Juzz (whatever they call you) – I advise you to keep your deplorable thoughts to yourself. You come across to me as someone who does not watch football. If you do, it’s either you do not understand it or maybe you have an IQ of a raisin. I have watched Zambia for donkey years and this team is as good as the best we have had. Young team with no egos. They just go about their business professionally. If you are Zambian I would be very disappointed with your ignorance and lack of sensitivity. Please stuff your crappy statistics and match on. This site is reserved for genuine football fans to share thoughts and insights into our national game, not for people bored out of their brains like you. If you have nothing good to say SHUT UP and find something else to occupy your sad time.

  36. Speak on the pitch and score goals – instead of self-pleasuring on this blogsite posting stories and comments of self-praise.

    • Which pitch do you speak on and score goals ? Obviously that pitch is boring because you have found yourself on this blogsite seeking attention. Go about your business. Fix Up.

  38. Juzz (whatever they call you) – I advise you to keep your deplorable thoughts to yourself. You come across to me as someone who does not watch football. If you do, it’s either you do not understand it or maybe you have an IQ of a raisin. I have watched Zambia for donkey years and this team is as good as the best we have had. Young team with no egos. They just go about their business professionally. If you are Zambian I would be very disappointed with your ignorance and lack of sensitivity. Please stuff your crappy statistics and match on. This site is reserved for genuine football fans to share thoughts and insights into our national game, not for people bored out of their brains like you. If you have nothing good to say SHUT UP and find something else to occupy your sad time.

  39. I’m also part of the people who think that Zambia can beat Ghana tomorrow. I also feel that Renard is doing a very good job by breathing an air of confidence into the team. It’s difficult whenever trainers expect too much and start putting pressure on the players.

  40. Zambia should pay these guys $100,000 each if they make it to the finals and double the money if they win the Africa Cup finals. And build them nice houses in Lusaka near Independence stadium. What do you think or am I asking too much.

    • They are professional players. They already get paid handsomely and they don’t need charitable housing. Money is not everything. If you work hard, it comes with the territory. Do I make any sense ?

  41. I am very happy we don’t have to face Tunisia, regardless their poor performance or whatever. I say this because I know our players. History has it that Zambian footballers fear the Arabs. At least with Ghana it will be a “fair” game, no psychological defeat. So I can now cheerfully say, “Go for it Copper Bullets”…

  42. Truthteller

    We don’t fear anybody. Weather you are Eskimo, American, Arab or whatever you are we will play you. Such is the confidence in the camp. Bring anybody on. Don’t dwell on history. It’s gone. We are making our own history now.

  43. There’s no better time than now.Yes we can beat Ghana.Raise the game boys plus a good game plan then we can do it.Good luck.GOD BLESS ZAMBIA.

  46. Am loving the confidence in the boys, they have played big names in previous games without fear. Iwouldnt be surprised if we see some make it into European soccer after this tournament.

  48. We shall win by 2 goals to nil due to Devine Favour on our part nothing less or more. When this is done, the glory will return to God only and there won’t be anything like our boys making a name for themselves. The talent came from God and they can do anything through Christ who strengthens them. The bottom line is that we are beating Ghana, anyway, coz God has allowed it in our favour.

  49. Just go in the pitch and show us what you are capable of doing. Ghanians are also determined to overturn the table. It will be an exciting match to watch. STRIVE UNTIL FINAL WHISLE :)

  51. #42 @kpx
    Maybe you are right, but I am just saying that I am happy it’s Ghana that we are going to face because I was always out of my seat when Zed was playing any of these teams like Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Moreover, if, better said after we wallop Ghana after it’s outstanding performance during the just ended World Cup, Zed Football will be more known than ever. Mind you I am optimistic about this too. Bytheway, about the “History”, don’t just forget it like that because people who forget their history are bound to relive it

    • i totally agree with you #51, somehow we seem to struggle against north african teams; maybe its their style of football??? we beat ghana in the 1996 africa cup and am hoping that particular history repeats itself (zambia 1 ghana 0). i was just as delighted that we are facing Ghana, the bookmakers seem to think they will beat us….what greater joy it will be when we come out victorious and make the upset?? Chipolopolo all the way baby!!!!!

  52. @35 JUZZ??? Don’t be so distractive??? Are you asking for Insults from ZAMBIANS? Whatever your Opinion, it is football, how did we beat Senegal?? It was the same Perceptions that we are too weak for them. JUST KNOW THAT FOOTBALL IS A ROUND OBJECT & CAN Roll either way. GO ZAMBIA GO CHIPOLOPOLO.

  53. Ghana will have to take it from us coz we’re playing like we want to win. Nothing is impossible. If you compete then believe you can win. Have watched all games and it is lovely that Eurosport commentators have developed open admiration for the effort of the boys. Let’s use that speedy attack to our advantage, defend like soldiers and play great ball. Win or lose it has been a pleasure to watch the bullets. 4 o’clock London and I’m watching game while texting my brother in Zed after each goal. Come on spoil sports get with the spirit of the game-not just wait for a win to declare love :) Good luck all fans!

  54. #35 Football my friend is not a true science!!!! if it was, senegal would not have gone out in the group stages; Nigeria, Egypt, cameroon etc would have made the group stages. You can neva say neva, i can name alot of big upsets (remember France v Senegal in the world cup???) but i would rather concentrate on Zambia. Anything can and will happen tomoro; be rest assured that luck will have nothing to do with it. Zambia will win on their own merits, today they are underdogs…come tomoro heros. Pliz don’t write us off yet, we have 90 minutes to get ourselves to Gabon for the final. Attack is the best form of defence and Zambia has a great attacking force and several individuals who can score goals. Fire them copper bullets, Ghana has nothing on chipolopolo boys!! Go, Go Go Zambia!!!!

  55. This is a different team, they play a different game compared to the old teams. We all learn from our past and I bet they have done that. I think, we are ready now to take the cup to Zambia. May the best team win!

    Go Zambia!

  56. Thank you for all your responses but I still maintain that although Zambia can win, Ghana has more chances of winning than Zambia. Lets wait and see. I actually wish Zambia well in tomorrows game but I am one person who beleives in reality and not pretence. Although football is not a true science results can alost be predicted based on past records. I will be here again after the match.

  57. “We know their names but when we get to the pitch, we want to beat them. Its eleven against eleven and time to make a name for ourselves and for the young players in the team to move up,” Katongo ….This attitude must be encourage at every level of human interaction in Zambia and outside our boarders. Still got the feeling that we are beating Ghana and going to the finals. Good luck boys!

  60. in 90minutes otherwise i see Ghana down by 1:0.go zambia goooo’.plz nsama stop yo fake comments,in fact ur nt even the soccer analyst useless tell even yo friends lubern.ba idoit

  61. A Black Star can never shine! And today is the day it will clearly black out….Shoot the stars CHIPOLOPOLO…The BULLET.

    • Response to Juzz – If you understand basic stats, then stats are in our favour. Ghana’s unimpressive 1-0 win against Botswana, who were subsequently hit for six by Guinea, kicked off their campaign. They then completed their group games with an uninspiring draw against Guinea before requiring extra-time and a goalkeeping error against Tunisia to win their quarter final. In contrast, we are the tournament’s joint-top scorers alongside Ivory Coast after cruising past Sudan, defeating the highly fancied Senegal and gaining a draw against Libya in atrocious conditions. You do the Maths.

  62. Response to Juzz – If you understand basic stats, then stats are in our favour. Ghana’s unimpressive 1-0 win against Botswana, who were subsequently hit for six by Guinea, kicked off their campaign. They then completed their group games with an uninspiring draw against Guinea before requiring extra-time and a goalkeeping error against Tunisia to win their quarter final. In contrast, we are the tournament’s joint-top scorers alongside Ivory Coast after cruising past Sudan, defeating the highly fancied Senegal and gaining a draw against Libya in atrocious conditions. You do the Maths.

  63. @JUZZ, Get behind me Satan. How dare you doubt my teams prowess. Zambia did not qualify for the competition by luck or any form of wizardry. The boys have what it takes to be in the semis. In cases you have forgotten, Zambia is among the top 4 teams in africa and we’ll prove to you that this team can only get better. God Bless Zambia.

  66. Number 24, It was Ian Potterfield not George Mungwa who took Zambia to the 1994 finals, please check your statistics.

  67. When I saw Zambia coming from behind twice against Libya, I became convinced that Zambia have the right stuff to lift this tournament. Now we wait patiently for them to deliver. Good luck. Chipolopolo Iyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  68. The name West Africa is a nightmare to lovers of the zambian football, it was in this region that Zambia lost its football golden generation, may the good Lord grant this team in this same region the success they were denied in 1994. I will be praying for you. Love from Cameroon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  70. @ JUZZ and LARRY, YOU WERE SAYING??????????????? i’ll say it again, Football is not a true science. Many congrats Zambia. chipolopolo iyeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

  72. whatever Larry!!!!!! Have you never heard that fairytales always have a happy ending???? Even cinderella had a happy ending duhh!!! its the finals baby, anything can happen!! come sunday, i will be doing a victory dance and having a drink wit you in mind (i know deep down you are whole heartedly praying that Zambia shud win and rightly so….Zambia will WIN on sunday). hehehe Larry, you’re funny mate, just. a. fluke. chipolopolos triumph was no fluke!!!!! It sure does feel good to have the last laugh ;-)).

  73. Kaitlin,Thank you for such a quick reply I found the CFJ skills and dillrs that was posted on the site thank you. Now, my question is this: for the warm up are we to do all of them? or just the 1/2 mile jog or the 3 dillrs. Also, how do I know the appropriate # of repeats? is it listed for the distance. Sadly, I just finished school and cannot afford a Personal Trainer just yet though I am saving to do so I would just like to get started first : ) again thank you so much!

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