Chipolopolo eye Mali scalp

The Chipolopolo Boys will take on Mali this evening in an international friendly match at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

The team will be taking this encounter very seriously as they hope to start their preparations for the AFCON qualifiers. 

Assistant coach Moses says the team are in Bamako to win and has urged the players to know that they are representing the entire country. 

“I am taking up the challenge focusing on the team. This is not new for me. I have been in football as a player and I know what it takes. It’s a good challenge for me,” he said. 

“The team looks better, Iam happy that we have a full squad, It’s only a matter of adjusting. The players must know why we are here, we are representing 18 million Zambians.

“We are facing a strong team in Mali but the most important thing is how the Boys will carry out the instructions.We also want to win. It’s a good test to see where we are.”

“We can not do without the support of the fans. It’s always good to have them in our corner,” he added.

Midfielder Klings Kangwa is expecting a tough match between the two teams as they both have strong squads.

“It’s good preparation for the team to see how things are moving and be ready for what’s coming ahead,” The Red Star Belgrade midfielder said. 

“Mali is a good team. They have a good squad like our team so it’s going to be an interesting game so we are looking forward to enjoying the game.”

“As a player you have to continue improving in every game. The expectations will always be there, I am ready for that and looking forward to keep improving and learning,” he added. 

Meanwhile striker Evans Kangwa feels that ‘We are a good group’- and expects a good test from Mali.

“We came here on a serious mission because we are preparing to go to the AFCON. It’s been a long time since we went to the AFCON so we are taking this game very seriously. We want to win and inject the mentality of winning every game. For us it’s a plus that Mali will give us a good game,” he said.

The last four meetings have seen Zambia win two while the other two games have ended in draws. 

At the 2016 CHAN tournament, Zambia drew 0-0 with Mali in a group game and went on to top the group with seven points. 

Prior to that Zambia Beat Mali on 18th June 2005 in a 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifier  played at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Linos Chalwe put Zambia in the lead in the 26th minute before Soumaila Coulibaly could level matters in the 73rd minute but Collins Mbesuma won it for Zambia in the 85th minute. 

Mali 🇲🇱 🆚 Zambia 🇿🇲 

HEAD TO HEAD

21:00hrs Mali v Zambia 

Date: 23rd September 2022

Venue: Stade du 26 mars, Bamako

CURRENT FORM 

Mali – WWDWW  Zambia – LDWWW