Christopher Katongo has stated that Wednesday’s game against Mali was about winning the group.
Katongo tweeted the message in the wake of Zambia’s draw against Mali which saw the George Lwandamina coached side qualify to the quarter finals as leaders of group D.
“The game with Mali was about ensuring we won the group. We did that,” Katongo stated.
The Chipolopolo qualified with the highest tally of points at this year’s tournament, only matched by Tunisia despite not registering a shot on goal in the game against Mali..
A veteran of five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Katongo said his team was being efficient as is expected in tournaments.
“We are being very efficient which is what tournament football is about,” He added.
The Chipolopolo left Kigali for Rubavu today where they will play Guinea in the quarter finals of the competition at Umuganda stadium on Sunday. The game kicks off at 18:00hrs.
Should Zambia win their quarter final match, they will be on a collision course with either hosts Rwanda or neighbours DR Congo.
The most important thing was not to lose the game to an arrogant and talkative Malian team. We should have taught them a footballing lesson by beating them. Zero shots on target though makes for some sad reading some what; we need to sharpen our front line against the extremely dangerous Guinea team.
Captain FANTASTIC Christopher Katongo for me is the most disciplined and committed captain we have ever had in more than 50 years!!! His passion and commitment to the national team over the years has been unquestionable; it’s second to none!!!!
Yes, the important thing was to not lose the lead in the group.
Next game is a whole new ball game, the most pressurised game we have played. We must be ready.
…..and the trophy as well boss.
Kay Hummer u have Matured in your Comments. keep it up and pepo wil stop calling u Baby Hummer
I second what Katongo is saying. My only concern is that a performance like the one against Mali won’t cut it in the knockout stages.
I’m not asking for champagne football, but we need to be efficient in front of goal. I only watched the second half, but our team lacked coordination and cohesion. The pressing by Mali really caused us to play long balls and our players upfront didn’t do a good job of holding onto the ball. Also our switch play was under utilized, Sautu showed a little of his skill in the second half before getting hacked and from the highlights he was the only one to get a shot on or near the goal.
I wish the team the best against Guinea. It won’t be easy, but they have already made us proud thus far.
No shot at goal is what is worrying. We do not seem to have an out and out striker for this level. I liked what I saw in that Mulao boy though. Reminded me of what I saw in Sakuwaha’s debut.
Somebody please educate me, what’s the difference between ‘SHOTS AT TARGET’ and ‘SHOTS ON GOAL’????
My view exactly
Shots on Goal are those shot aimed at the goal mouth and may or may not be on target while Shots on Target are those that actual hit the target.
@ Shadbeat- when you shoot at Target then you were hitting the ball towards the opponents and the ball did not come any close to the goal thus not requiring efforts to take off. When you shoot on target, then the direction of the ball is such that should no one temper with it, then it will result in goal. So the chipolopolo were shooting wide. Now we want them to narrow their shots towards the goal post.
Thanks
Chintu umweene pls stop deceiving people on here.shot at target and shots on goal are both the same thing.it simply means any attempt within the goal frame.if a shot was going in and was saved by the goalie it is still a shot on target/at target whichever.any attempt within the goal frame is a shot on target hence when the ball hits the goal post it is not on target.
No that is not true JayD, Chintu Umwene is right.
We may meet Congo in the semis should we go past Guinea. Not long ago this Congo team humiliated us 3-0 in Angola. Can Zambia beat Congo?
I feel Zambia needs to improve on attacking because football is all about goals. For as to go to the semi finals we need goals. I also feel the coaching staff should find a natural strike who can be able to shoot balls on goal. we are missing kalengo who has signed with a club in congo.
@Paradox, I second your motion!
@Shadbeat, I think you have a good eye! Your observation is right! I think they should not have used “Shots at Goal” and “Shots on Target” on the same statistical board which appears to carry the same meaning. If it were not, “Shots on Target” could have meant goals scored but since there were no goals this is poor journalism!
Enough respect for you CK but that performance against Mali was ‘lukewarm ‘ no real intentions as long as Zambia maintained her status of being group leaders. A goal by either side could’ve sparked. We not going to see that in the Q Fs cos all the 8 teams are ready to knockout their opponent. Zambia needs to be ready for battle for the last 4.
Wishng de chipolopolo boyz all de bst