Chambeshi backs Zambia to bounce back against Botswana in COSAFA Cup

Photo Credit – Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Chipolopolo assistant coach Beston Chambeshi has expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for Wednesday’s COSAFA Cup Group D encounter against Botswana at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Zambia kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Comoros and their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals now rest not only on securing victory against Botswana but also on the outcome of the fixture between Comoros and Botswana on Monday.

“The players know what is at stake, we lost the first game, and it means we must bounce back and defeat Botswana, and that is exactly our plan, the first game was OK, we tried our best and unfortunately lost it, but again the first game of any tournament is always unpredictable,” said Chambeshi ahead of the game.

“We noticed a few mistakes from the defeat, which we have rectified, but our focus is to beat Botswana to stay in the tournament. We are geared towards making amends, it is a game that we must win, and the boys are aware, they know the importance of the game.”

Chambeshi’s sentiments were echoed by midfielder Harrison Chisala, who said: “Training went well from the beginning of the session until the end. All I can say is just concentration, the coach is always talking about consistency, and you saw the in the game, we made a mistake on a set piece. We allowed a goal, which was a set piece, which was wrong, but the game was just OK.

“We created so many chances, but we couldn’t convert them. The upcoming game, we are ready. We know we have missed the three points, but we are ready for Botswana.”

A Botswana win over Comoros would keep Zambia’s hopes alive, setting up a decisive final group clash in which a win for Chipolopolo could secure their passage to the knockout stage.

This year’s COSAFA Cup is being utilised as a key preparatory tournament for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).