FAZ President Andrew Kamanga is confident the Chipolopolo Boys will qualify to the Cameroon 2019 African Cup of Nations following Saturday’s draw against Namibia.
In what was Sven Vandenbroeck’s first match in charge, Zambia struggled to stamp authority on the game until the final 10 minutes.
While there has been a lot of talking points including the benching of Enock Mwepu and Lazarous Kambole, the FAZ Chief saw a lot of positives from the game.
“We get away with a point under some difficult conditions,” Kamanga wrote on social media.
“I am still confident that we are going to AFCON ’19.
With Mozambique and Guinea Bissau playing out to a 2-2 draw in the other group tie, Zambia got a life line to the nation’s dream of featuring at African Cup of Nations for the 17th time.
“The team is technically superior, and the cohesion is good. Theres also a level of discipline. Not a bad result from the boys. They played well and we should be proud of them.
Namibia dominated the first half and after the break, the 2012 African Cup of Nations pushed for a goal with Fashion Sakala hitting the upright while substitute Lubambo Musonda saw he left footed thunderbolt parried off by the goalkeeper.
Augustine Mulenga ballooned over the bar in the 18 yard box while the referee failed to award Zambia a penalty after a Namibian defender handled the ball.
Zambia and Namibia are on a point each while Mozambique and Guinea Bissau move to 4 points.
Zambia will fly to Gabon for Tuesday’s friendly match.
I believe Mozambique and Guinea Bissau gave us a life line to waste if we draw or lose in Zambia.
Nothing better can be done for us again in this tourney. Kupwa sana uku ai? being given lifelines by others?
We really need positive results if we are to qualify and not excuses Mr Kamanga. The new coach is here