AFCON: Zambia vs Comoros a Decider – Sichone

Zambia coach Moses Sichone has described Friday’s meeting with Comoros as a decider at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.

The former FC Cologne defender told the Football Association of Zambia that the game will determine the 2012 AFCON champions’ prospects of qualifying for the knockout phase.

“The game tomorrow is more of a decider, but I am not putting my players under pressure. I am not under pressure going into this game,” he said.

The coach insisted that outcomes of the two teams’ previous meeting would have no bearing on Friday’s encounter. The Southern African opponents have faced off seven times across all competitions with Zambia winning four versus two for Stefano Cusin’s charges and the other game ending in a draw.

“Every game is different and every game is prepared differently, with a tailored formation. Having played Comoros before may not count,” Sichone added.

He has since urged his wards to build on their one-all draw with Mali in the group’s opening match played on Monday.

“I saw a lot of positives in my players as the game against Mali progressed. That was one big takeaway for me,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Zambia captain Fashion Sakala says the players remain committed to ensuring that the dream for a place in the next stage of AFCON is realised.

“The team’s focus is still on progressing to the next stage,” Sakala said.

Players who carry Zambia’s hopes 

The Saudi Arabia-based skipper carries the weight of expectation to deliver the goods on Friday, and so is the case with Patson Daka. The Leicester City forward rescued a point for Sichone’s men with a last-gasp equaliser against Mali.

The game will kickoff at 19:30 hours Southern Africa time at Stade de Mohammed V.

The last assignment for Zambia in the group will be against leaders Morocco who overcame Comoros 2-0 on Monday while Mali will conclude their assignment by taking on Comoros.

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