By JOHN SAKALA
Chipolopolo caretaker Coach Aggrey Chiyangi says his team will aim at beating Namibia on March 23 when the two sides meet in the final qualifying match of the Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chiyangi who has been handed the reins ahead of the dead rubber clash, said the players summoned for the match will have to prove their credentials for possible future assignments.
He said that the players will have the responsibility of preserving national pride as they take on Namibia.
“We know that the result for this game will not change anything. What is important for us is we are playing for national pride because we have to make sure that we win this game despite it not having any impact on the qualifications,” Chiyangi said.
“We have spoken to the players to reflect on why they are here, this is not just gathering. They are here for a purpose, we are looking at the future, and this won’t be the end.”
He added: “Everyone has to be serious. We know that it won’t be an easy game because for Namibia they are going to fight with their lives because if they win the chances of qualifying are there. We are going to be ready for them.”
And Chiyangi said that he will allow the U23 bench use some of the players eligible for Olympic qualifiers as that assignment was more important for the nation.
“We have to release the best under-23 players because we are already out (Senior AFCON). If under-23 qualifies, it will be better for this. We will excuse them and look at other players,” he said.
Chiyangi also expressed delight at being handed the coaching role albeit in an interim capacity.
“Serving the nation is very good and is a motivating factor. You know that when you are appointed that people have confidence in you that you can do something for the nation. It is a pleasure for me to be back and I am going to give my best,” he said,
Zambia plays Namibia at National Heroes Stadium on March 23 in the final Group K qualifying match for the Egypt 2019 AFCON.
FULL LIST
(GOALKEEPERS)
Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Justine Munyika (Green Eagles), Gregory Sanjase (City of Lusaka)
(DEFENDERS)
Allan Kamwanga (Power Dynamos), Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Lawrence Chungu, Adrian Chama, Stephen Kabamba (Green Buffaloes), Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Munene Nchimunya (Mufulira Wanderers)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Austine Muwowo (Forest Rangers), Lameck Silwaba (Buildcon), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Jack Chirwa, Mike Katriba (Green Buffaloes), Spencer Sautu, George Chaloba (Green Eagles), Clement Mundia (Kabwe Warriors)
(STRIKERS)
Tapson Kaseba (Green Eagles), Moses Phiri (Buildcon), Alex Ng’onga (Power Dynamos), Rodger Kola (Zanaco)
@FAZ
