It was a very tactical game – Bakala 

Zambia U17 National team coach Ian Bakala has described his team’s goalless draw  at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U-17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations against Morocco as a tactical game. 

The Young Copper Bullets played to a barren draw with the hosts who despite being a player down laboured until the end but failed to take two good opportunities in the final moments.

Bakala says Morocco benefited from their fans who supported them throughout the match and he was quick to heap praise on the players. 

“This game was a tactical game, I think both teams did not want to concede . We had chances where we could have scored but that’s the name of the game. Morocco were playing at home with the 12th player, the fans , they were supporting a lot but I am happy my players contained the pressure,” he said. 

“This is the fourth time we played Morocco, we have studied them and they have done the same as well. Both teams did not want to concede first. We saw how Morocco was playing. They have very good individual players who are very good going forward but they are a bit weak in defense which my players did well to try and capitalize on and credit goes to them. I think we have to now focus on the next game.”

Next up for Zambia is tricky encounter against Uganda but Bakala says his side is prepared for any team as they have a target of qualifying to the World Cup. 

“We prepared  for any team. We have a mission to complete which is to qualify for the World Cup. We will work on the mistakes we had today so that we can improve and come and win the game against Uganda,” he said. 

“Today it was a tough game, Morocco is not a pushover. They are a very composed side with quality players and for us to get a point is a bonus, we just have to forge ahead for the next game because this game is gone. It was very difficult for us but it went on our side looking at how we prepared. We wanted to close the game first and because then we could score anytime, which we did , we had some chances we could have scored which is a positive thing but our focus now needs to be on Uganda we just have to forget about Morocco,” he added. 

Morocco were reduced to ten men after defender Hamza Mouhadi, who made an illegal challenge on Forest Rangers forward Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu in the 75th minute was sent off. 

Bakala feels his players rushed their decisions after the red card as they immediately thought of the one man advantage instead of concentrating on the match which could have cost them towards the end. 

“We have learned a lesson. My players just wanted to score because in their mind it was these guys who were nine, but in the game you don’t count on that, it was a 50/50 game, they could have even scored in the dying minutes despite the Red card, we lost concentration. I think we did well, we wanted to score and we missed some chances, it’s the game, we correct our mistakes in training and be focused on the last game we playing against Uganda,” Bakala said. 

Zambia will square off with Uganda on Sunday in their final group game with a point enough to take them to the next round and consequently the World Cup.