Chipolopolo Ready For Tanzania In COSAFA Semis

ZAMBIA’s quest for a record fifth Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Senior Challenge Cup today faces a hurdle when they face Tanzania in the semi-finals at Moruleng Stadium.
The teams’ first and last meeting in the competition was 20 years ago and the match ended 2-2 in Arusha.
Since then, Zambia has gone on to win four COSAFA titles at par with South Africa and Zimbabwe. Guests Tanzania are yet to lift the trophy.
“We have prepared adequately for this game and we are a God-trusting team. We are confident we will beat Tanzania,” Zambia skipper Donashano Malama said.
Zambia’s last appearance in the COSAFA semi-finals was in 2013 when they beat South Africa 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Zambia went on to edge Zimbabwe 2-0 in the final with goals by Alex Ng’onga and Kabaso Chongo.
In the 2015 and 2016 editions, Zambia were eliminated in the quarter-finals and coach Wedson Nyirenda will be eager to prove that he is the right man to take the Chipolopolo forward.
Nyirenda will rely on the same players that edged Botswana 2-1 on Saturday. In-form Brian Mwila and Justin Shonga will lead the search for goals.The two contributed a goal apiece in the win over Botswana.
It was Mwila’s second goal for country in three weeks after finding the net in the 2-1 win over South Africa in an international friendly in Rustenburg on June 13.
Diamond Chikwekwe, Jack Chirwa and Collins Sikombe will operate in the midfield. Allan Chibwe is a sure starter in goal while Solomon Sakala, Lawrence Chungu, Malama and Isaac Shamujompa will form the rearguard.
But Tanzania are buoyed by their 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday.
Tanzania coach Salim Mayanga said his charges are in South Africa to lift the COSAFA trophy.
Mayanga will look to Elias Maguri to progress to the final.
Maguri’s strike eliminated South Africa and Nyirenda will instruct his defenders to police him. Others that could cause havoc to Zambia are Thomas Olimwengu and Yusufu Mbaraka.
Mayanga will start with Aishi Manula in goal to be shielded by Shimano Kapombe, Hassan Kassy and Gadiel Michael while Hamid Mao and Salmin Hoza will coordinate the midfield.
The winners will face either Lesotho or Zimbabwe in the final.
The match will kickoff at 17:00