Chipolopolo coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic says his boys will guard against complacency when they face Namibia tomorrow (Wednesday) in the final Group D match at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
And Namibia coach Bobby Samaria says Namibia will play for pride against Zambia despite being eliminated after back-to-back losses.
In a pre-match conference in Limbe prior to tomorrow’s Group D encounter that could see Zambia seal a quarterfinal place and possibly top the group, Micho said his charges will not be facing Namibia like an eliminated side.
“We have no right to see in front of us an eliminated team (Namibia) because they are coming with pride and play for themselves. We need be fully focused that we are not playing an eliminated team but like we are playing a cup final before the final,” he said.
“Only that mindset without complacency can bring us good result. Anything else is a huge risk and we know that that football is a game that will lead any direction. We have recently seen Liverpool and Burnley.”
He added: “We want to give respect to opponents and if we respect them, we have no right to underestimate them and be complacent and we will take them the more serious way performing to the standard demanded on the field of play.”
Micho said he would not entertain nay throughs of a possible quarterfinal opponent but focus on getting a result against Namibia first.
Meanwhile Samaria said the brave warriors will aim for a win against Zambia to finish on a high after losing their two previous matches.
“As much as the game is of no significance for us, it is important to play for the flag as well as for the badge,” he said.
And Zambia skipper Adrian Chama said Zambia will treat the game against Namibia with the same vigour they have shown in the last two matches that have seen Zambia beat Tanzania 2-0 and draw 1-1 with Guinea.
Guinea tops the group courtesy of a superior goal difference but will be facing a Tanzania side that could qualify to the quarterfinals with a victory.
Group D will be decided tomorrow (Wednesday) with Zambia playing bottom placed Namibia while Guinea takes on Tanzania.
Both matches will kick off at 21H00 (Zambian time) with the top two teams qualifying to the quarterfinals.
We have seen a lot of good football in Zambia Micho you are a father to the boys tell them football is a game it is not what you think about but reality