Zambia-Ghana ready to battle

ZAMBIA’S quest for a first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 18 years comes to a test this evening when the Chipolopolo clash with pre-tournament favourites, Ghana in the semi-finals at the Estadio de Bata here. The Chipolopolo, who last featured in the finals in 1994, will be facing the Black Stars for the first time at the AFCON since 1996 when Zambia won the battle for a third-place in South Africa. However, the two teams met again in a friendly match played in England three years ago where a star-studded Ghana beat a make-shift Zambian side 4-1. Coach Herve Renard is not bothered about the result from that friendly match, saying Zambia did not have a full-strength squad while Ghana fielded all the big guns.

In a pre-match Press briefing here, Renard said the Chipolopolo were not under any pressure and that the players were motivated and determined to qualify to the AFCON finals. “We are ready to go. We just need to have self-belief and be mentally strong. We should not go physical with Ghana but play it simple. For the players, this is a chance of their lives,” he said. Renard also got a timely boost as veteran defender Chintu Kampamba was declared fit after recovering from a tendon injury. Skipper Christopher Katongo said Ghana and Zambia play a similar game but the only difference on paper was that the Black Stars have renowned top players. Katongo said on the pitch, big names would not matter as it would be 11 players against 11. Midfielder Rainford Kalaba, who has won two man-of-the-match awards here, said for the Chipolopolo to reach this level, they were ready to compete with any team. “We will go there and give a challenge. The only game will be on the pitch and not in papers. This is the time to show one’s ability and focus. I’m prepared for this tournament and I knew it won’t be easy,” Kalaba said. Defender Francis Kasonde said the squad was relaxed and enjoying itself but ready to ensure the Black Stars felt Chipolopolo’s presence on the pitch. Kasonde said the squad would work hard and ensure it capitalizes on any weaknesses identified in the Ghanaian set-up. Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic said his charges’ morale and personality was the driving force and that despite having little time to prepare for the semi-fina match, Ghana would be ready for Zambia. Addressing the Press at the team’s Plaza Hotel, Stevanovic predicted a tough game, saying Zambia was a strong and disciplined team and that he had watched a couple of the videos for the Chipolopolo. He said the fact that Renard knew some of the Ghanaian players, this could either give Zambia an edge or not.

Striker Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew said the Black Stars would do everything possible to get to the finals and praised the Ghanaian fans for the support. Winger Sulley Muntari conceded that the favourite tag that Ghana has been carrying since 2008, had put the team under some pressure. Muntari said the expectations in Ghana were high and that it was the Black Stars’ prayer to win the semi-final match. He said Zambia was a great team which deserved to be respected and that the Chipolopolo were dangerous as they play as a unity. Muntari said Ghana had no excuses to make if they fail to reach the finals. Striker Asamoah Gyan was also full of praise of the Zambia squad, saying they had a good team spirit and predicted that it would not be an easy match for Ghana. With all the hype around this match, Renard believes his charges would rise to challenge and qualify to the February 12 finals in Libreville, Gabon. Renard will rely on the efficiency of Katongo, Kalaba, Emmanuel Mayuka, Chisamba Lungu and Nathan Sinkala to break the Ghanaian backline built around skipper John Mensah while Hichani Himoonde, Stoppila Sunzu, Joseph Musonda and Davies Nkausu are also expected to do their part in thwarting the raids from the likes of Ayew, Muntari and Gyan. While Zambia thumped Sudan 3-0 to reach the semi-finals, Ghana struggled to beat Tunisia 2-1. The Chipolopolo’s last attempt to reach the AFCON finals was in 1996 when they lost to Tunisia in the semi-finals in South Africa. Probable line-up: Kennedy Mweene, Davies Nkausu, Joseph Musonda, Hichani Himoonde, Stoppila Sunzu, Isaac Chansa, Christopher Katongo, Nathan Sinkala, Emmanuel Mayuka, Rainford Kalaba, Chisamba Lungu.