Fashion Sakala: ‘Angola good, but Zambia will fight’

Zambia star Fashion Sakala has stressed the importance of defeating hosts Angola in Tuesday’s friendly to gauge Chipolopolo’s preparedness for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

In a post-match press conference on Monday, the striker said he was excited to set foot on Angola for the first time in his career. He, however, stressed that he was not in the country on a holiday.

“It is my first time to come to Angola and it feels great. It is a very beautiful country, but I don’t expect way less than a win. I am confident that the team will fight for a win because I know how important this is. It is a very important preparation for AFCON. We are working hard together to make sure that, at least, we get a win,” Sakala told Football Association of Zambia media.

What Sakala felt about Angola versus Argentina

The Saudi Arabia-based forward shared his impression of Angola’s performance after having watched them go toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi-led Argentina on Friday. The FIFA World Cup reigning champions won the game 2-0 with the Inter Miami superstar on target alongside Lautaro Martinez.

“I watched the game against Argentina. They [Angola] played well but my main focus is on my team. All I am looking forward is to see my team with confidence and how we will perform to get a win. All I know is that Angola is a good national team, but we are ready to fight,” Sakala added.

Zambia will be without key players, including Leicester City FC striker Patson Daka who was recalled by his English club soon after a friendly against South Africa on Saturday.

The Copper Bullets lost the game 3-1 in Port Elizabeth with the build up to the meeting between the two regional football power houses overshadowed by the illness of coaching panel and playing squad members.

Zambia’s delegation left for Angola minus coach Moses Sichone, video analyst Elias Chipota and midfielder Miguel Chaiwa who were admitted to a hospital in Port Elizabeth over suspected food poisoning.

Zambia will also face Angola without Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande, Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda who have rejoined their team ZESCO United, while Israel- based Kennedy Musonda has excused himself to attend to his ill wife.

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