We are game, says Mutapa

ZAMBIA Under-23 national team coach Osward Mutapa says his charges are ready for today’s 2023 U23 AFCON second round, final leg qualifier against Sierra Leone at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Mutapa, who earlier announced the beefing up of his squad with five members of the triumphant 2022 COSAFA U20 squad said the team has worked on the mistakes made in the first leg which ended in a 1-1 stalemate in Liberia.

Speaking during a prematch press conference, Mutapa said the game is not going to be easy because Sierra Leone has a good squad which gave Zambia stiff competition in the first leg.

“Getting a draw in the first leg was important but going into the second leg, It won’t be easy but we need to fight to make sure we progress to the next round,” Mutapa said.

“The boys are eager and ready to perform but it won’t be easy like I said because Sierra Leone is a good side.”

Mutapa who admitted being under pressure will be without right back Brian Musama and Christopher Katongo who are still nursing injuries.

Mutapa is however confident the Under-20 players called to beef up the team will help to get a win at home.

The drafted players are Zesco United forward Songa Chipokya, Red Arrows defender Happy Nsiku, Shamuel Academy midfielder and Zambia U20 captain Dominic Kanda.

Green Eagles’ Emmanuel Mukosha and Kafue Celtic defender Mathews Banda complete the list that joined Under-20 goal keeper Jeban Tembo.

And Umder-23 captain Patrick Gondwe said the team was determined to grind a win that will keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

“We are ready and all we need is a win. It won’t be easy like the coach has said but we are prepared and looking forward to face Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone coach Amidu Karim, who described Zambia as a good team said Sierra Leone had done their homework and were ready for today’s tie.

“We have worked on the mistakes we made in the first leg. We had challenges with our finishing. We couldn’t get goals but we have worked on that and looking forward to playing Zambia.

Asked if playing Zambia in front of their home fans will be intimidating for his boys after the first leg was played in Liberia, Karim said; “We won’t be intimidated playing in front of the Zambian fans. I think that will motivate us as well because I have played football as a player and it is always exciting to play in front of a huge crowd,” Karim said.

The winner of today’s game will play the winner of tomorrow’s tie between Egypt and eSwatini in the final round qualifier next March.

Egypt and eSwatini finished scoreless on October 23 heading into their final leg decider to be played in Alexandria.