Football Association of Zambia ( FAZ ) General Secretary Ponga Liwewe has bemoaned Zambia’s draw in the finals of the Zambia 2017 Africa U20 Junior Championship.
Liwewe likened Zambia’s group which has Egypt, Guinea and Mali to that of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers where Zambia is pegged to the bottom in a group that has Nigeria, Algeria and Cameroon.
“Zambia seems to be getting tough draws, similarly to the World Cup,” Liwewe said.
“For this tournament, we have Guinea, Egypt and Mali. Teams from West Africa and North Africa tend to be dominant sides,” said a less than confident Liwewe.
He added that his association is already preparing the Zambian team which did not play any qualifiers as hosts and have not been involved in any competitive friendly match.
“Zambia is already putting in a lot of work with the selection of players and the training will be intensified. Our ambition as a country is to lift the trophy,” Liwewe add.
Group B has Sudan who knocked out defending champions Nigeria and runners-up Senegal who hosted the last tournament.
Senegal eliminated Ghana on their way to the finals.
The other two teams are South Africa and Cameroon.
The final tournament will be played from 26 February to 12 March 2017 with the semi-finalists qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World next year in Korea Republic.
ZAMBIA 2017 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP GROUPS
Group A – Zambia, Guinea, Egypt, Mali
Group B – Senegal, Sudan, Cameroon, South Africa
But did Mr. Liwewe expect an easy draw at this stage of the competition?
Defeatist attitude, how do the kids get motivated with statements such as this. Seems to me like he is simply trying to conjure up an excuse if we fail to win it.
For you to qualify you have to beat the best. Why complaining.
No need to complain ba Ponga. the lads need to face tve best to be the best. alread they ve the home suppport. the ministry of sports can help to lure lany supporters.
How can u hope to play a weak team at a tournament? That’s wishful thinking and pathetic. Shame on you FAZ! That’s why we’re not going anywhere with these people!!!! IFYABUPUBA fyeka fyeka fye……
no sweet without sweat
Goodness! Trying to play the under-card are we Mr. Liwewe? Now is not time to complain but workout a comprehensive plan. Like I said, we don’t want to be embarrassed. The least should be making the semi’s and booking a place at the U20 WOrld Cup. Ofcourse, winning the competition should be our main motive!
Underdog-card
Hey nothing to complain here just put everything in order for de boys they can do it
What are the Wailers saying?