‘MICHO’ SEEKS REDEMPTION
… as Chipolopolo face Benin
AFTERbeing taught a football lesson by star-studded Senegal who humiliated the Chipolopolo 3-1 on Saturday, Chipolopolo coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic will seek redemption when Zambia face Benin in another friendly match at the Mathieu Kerekou Friendship Stadium.
“Micho” who has been criticised for fielding a week team against a star-studded Teranga Lions will pray that his charges led by team captain Benson Sakala will up from the slumber of being humiliated by the best ranked national team in Africa.
“Micho” who is determined to win today’s match against Benin is expecting a very competitive match as they are using the game against Zambia to prepare for a delayed final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.
During a pre-match press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of Sports in Cotonou, “Micho” said the Chipolopolo were ready to give Benin a good preparatory match ahead of their Afcon qualifier against Sierra Leone.
He said the Chipolopolo will give Benin tough competition despite Zambia’s star strikers in Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala and Enock Mwepu not being part of the team.
“We are two teams on different missions, as far as I know Benin national team is preparing for the do or die clash against Sierra Leone. Having that in mind we are willing to help our friends to have a competitive momentum before playing Sierra Leone on a yet to be designated date that CAF will decide,” said “Micho”.
“We could not get our players, but we have a team that we have absolute trust and confidence and firm belief in, and change will be that two players that have been sick are coming back. This is the only re-enforcement we are having.”
He said the friendly match against Benin will give the Chipolopolo huge benefits because it is more valuable than 20 training cessions
“Micho” said the Benin match will be a test of character for his squad in the aftermath of the Senegal loss.
“The second match is a big test of character, measurement of value of this generation of Zambian players against a very good team and coach Michel Dussuyer who has been around Africa in Guinea and Ivory Coast. I expect a very good match against Benin,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo midfielder Benson Sakala says the Chipolopolo are ready to redeem themselves from the defeat to Senegal.
After playing Benin, Zambia will conclude the FIFA window with a tie against Sudan in Omdurman on June 11.