Zambia Under-20 coach Beston Chambeshi is confident his boys will win in regulation time in order to avoid going to extra time or post match penalties.
And his South African counterpart has described it as a ‘a very delicate encounter against a beautiful Zambian team that will have the support of its fans.’
The Junior Chipolopolo and Amajita go to battle tonight in the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
It is the first time the two regional arch-rivals have come head to head in a continental semi final at any level.
Below are the pre-match interviews from the camps.
Beston Chambeshi (Head Coach, Zambia)
There will be no pressure on the Zambia team. The team has confidence in its ability to win the semi-final against South Africa, whom we have beaten twice recently.
However, it will be different with another approach. We don’t want to go into extra time or penalties. This does not mean that we underestimate our opponent. On the contrary, we are convinced that it will be difficult for the two teams. We know that our opponent scores a lot of goals but it will not stop us from being on the offensive.
We have a good attack and a good defence that has conceded only two goals. This does not mean that we will be content to defend.
Mangani Banda (Goalkeeper, Zambia)
The morale is high and we encourage each other. There is no choice but to win. We will do everything to ensure victory, synonymous with qualification in the final.
Thabo Senong (Head Coach, South Africa)
It will be a very delicate encounter against a beautiful Zambian team that will have the support of its fans.
Let us not deceive ourselves; Zambia is under pressure from its fans to win the tournament so we will see how the match comes out.
When you are an underdog, you work very hard; you are always in the performance zone. I am happy that we won’t be in the comfort zone. When we came in this tournament, we were obviously underdogs. Nobody gave us a chance to go to the next round. Even now, nobody is giving us a chance that we can win the semi-final against Zambia.
Meanwhile, we are very pleased to have reached this level of competition because beyond the title, the ambition of the South African Football Association is to build a competitive group of players for the future.
Tercious Malepe (Captain, South Africa)
We will approach the semi-final to win it. We must not take into account our two recent defeats against the Zambians. At stake is a place at the final, and we are ready at all levels.
Xenophobia Sasaafrica needs a spunking on its butt this afternoon. Going to be tough, but have everything to believe in this team. Good luck boys.
@Soccerman, I cant wait to be spunked by AmaZambane. C you later boet.
All the best to the young men as the fight for the motherland. Fly the FLAG higher boys like a noble Eagle.
AmaJita (ZAR) all the way.
Unless they play like SA 1996 otherwise it’s Bayern vs Arsenal revisited!!
I really thought an interview would be starting with QUESTIONS from the interviewer then ANSWERS from the interviewee! All i read are just statements from people we dont even know what they were responding to.
please ba chambeshi and the entire under 20 team go for a win
Best wishes and God Bless.
Goodluck young Chipolopolos. go get it n retain it.
4-1 is my prediction
Chipolopolo will take the day if they don’t get carried away with over-confidence or become complacent, In all departments Zambia has exhibited maturity. Amajita are good, they have skill and quick on the ball but their midfield and defense are not at their best plus they lack consistence and endurance.
On the more, We must wait and see!!! Ulukungu luleima… twalamona apatotwa iminag’u ne mpashi.
anybody with the link for the game to watch online, some of us are too far away from a TV. PLIZ guys
These South African’s have a lot of pride, they cant even come to the website to prop up their team. They have a complex. We bit them they go back to their precious home that’s it!
Hw ar the scores pipo?
I said it well done boys!
It was a xenophobic loss today! Zambia 1-0 South Africa.