Zambia Under-20 Women’s National Team coach Charity Nthala says her squad is aiming to match up the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification credentials of the under-17 and senior women national teams.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s second round, second leg clash against Burundi, Nthala said her players are inspired by the achievements of their fellow national teams.
“We are working extremely hard to ensure the U-20 team qualifies this time around. The senior team has made it, and the Under-17s have now qualified back-to-back. That pushes us to give even more.” said Nthala.
She admitted that while the pressure was huge, her team were looking to attain their debut FIFA World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Nthala revealed that the team is likely to tweak its tactics in tomorrow’s game against Burundi, drawing from lessons learned in the first encounter.
“Burundi are strong on the flanks and rely heavily on physicality. But we matched them, and we’re ready to adjust our approach to get the result we need,” she said.
She added that Zambia would not underestimate their opponents and would stay focused on completing the double.
Team captain Zangose Zulu backed her coach’s confidence and declared that the squad is ready for battle.
The skipper said the team had moved on from the away win and are focused on getting another victory,” said Zulu.
The game will be played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola with the winner over two legs qualifying to the penultimate stage where Uganda lies in wait.
[FAZ Media]
