Chipolopolo Boys stand-in coach Moses Sichone believes the future of Chipolopolo is bright despite the 4-2 loss to Israel on Thursday away in Petah Tikva.
Sichone was left impressed with the reaction from the players in the second half after his halftime team talk.
The former Germany based gaffer feels the team lost concentration and conceded very easy goals.
“We didn’t start the game well, especially in the first half. They changed their formation and outnumbered us in Midfield. The goals we conceded were easy, the team just lacked communication,” he said.
“The second half, we had to rectify the mistake we made in the first half, tried to close them and we looked better. It’s unfortunate we lost the game. We came back from 2-0 to 2-2 but we had chances to lead before they scored the third goal, even the fourth we were just unlucky, we had a chance, then a counterattack and they scored.”
“We need to rectify the mistakes as a team, I see the potential, we just need to continue working with the boys. I Am happy with the way the second half panned out, I saw a lot of good things. This is young team and like they say you learn from mistakes. We need to encourage the boys, the future looks bright,” he added.
Sichone was happy with the way players reacted and were calm on the ball. Sichone believes his side was just unlucky to lose 4-2 in the Holy Land.
“The attitude of the players, after the halftime team talk, they showed their reaction. I liked how they were calm on the ball and the intensity, we were just unlucky.
“It was just sad I could not give a chance to everybody, most of the players who I had on the bench are young. We look forward to the next game so that they can get some game time.”
Meanwhile Israel coach Alon Harazi was full of praise for the skillful and powerful Chipolopolo.
“Very skillful, powerful team. We played well in the first half, but lost concentration in the second half and they punished us with two goals. I always like it when show our character that we can be back in a game after a lot of stupid minutes. Sometimes luck is with you, sometimes it is not. Today it was on our side,” he said.
“My players play well, and we prove ourselves in every game, especially in every game. Zambia are a good side, a very skillful and fast team. The way they organize themselves, I am very impressed by Zambia.”
Klings Kangwa and Rally Bwalya drew Zambia level after Tai Boribo and Dean David had put the hosts in the lead.
However a late goal from Itamar Shviro and an Emmanuel Banda own goal secured a win for the Chosen Team.