Zambia interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina says he is confident his players will respond when Chipolopolo host Togo in their second Group I Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.
Zambia are looking to recover from Friday’s 3-1 defeat by Algeria, but Lwandamina believes the result has not derailed their qualification campaign and expects his players to respond in front of the home crowd at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“Having three points does not warrant that they (Togo) will come and collect three points again,” Lwandamina said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“We have to do our homework and we are playing at home. I am sure the boys will rise to the occasion.”
Togo opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Burundi and arrive in Ndola with three points, while Zambia are still searching for their first points in Group I.
However, Lwandamina insists there is no reason for alarm after only one round of matches.
“We do have a chance. We have just played one game. Every game is vital,” he said.
‘An opportunity to redeem ourselves’
The former ZESCO United coach says Tuesday’s fixture represents an immediate opportunity for his side to put the Algeria defeat behind them.
“All games are important and we are aware that we are coming from a loss and we have this opportunity to redeem ourselves,” Lwandamina said.
“The boys are ready for that challenge.”
Lwandamina has been working with a squad that combines established internationals with emerging players, and believes the team is gradually developing cohesion.
He also rejected suggestions that Zambia’s defensive shortcomings against Algeria should be attributed solely to the back four.
“The defensive system does not remove everyone on the pitch. Everyone becomes a defender when you do not have the ball,” he said.
“I know you are driving into condemning the defensive line. That is not the only defence you have; it is everyone.”
The result against Togo will give Zambia an opportunity to respond immediately to their opening-day defeat, with the Chipolopolo needing a positive result to keep pace in Group I.
Tickets for the match are available through the FAZ TechPay platform at K50 for the North, South and East stands, K250 for the West stand and K500 for VIP.
