World Cup (Q): Kangwa says Zambia going for maximum points against Niger

Zambia national team midfielder Kings Kangwa believes Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Tanzania belongs to the past and the team is focused on beating Niger in their final round of the campaign on Sunday.

Kangwa says the team wanted to end strong in the qualification campaign at home. Against Tanzania, Zambia secured a 1-0 away at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar courtesy of a second half goal from Fashion Shakala.

Already qualified Morocco has 21 points while Niger lies second with 12 with Tanzania who have played all their games in third on 10 points. Zambia lies fourth but could leap to second with a win over Niger to amass 12 points with Congo rooted at the bottom with a point.

‘We are already looking forward to Sunday’

“It was a good game, we really needed a win, and we really needed these three points which we got, we are happy, we are excited but now it is in the past. We are already looking forward to Sunday,” says the Hapoel Be’ersheva midfielder.

Kangwa further added the game against Niger would not be easy but the Chipolopolo will be gunning for maximum points.

“Another difficult game coming, we lost to Niger. We did not play our best. We have another opportunity; we have a chance at home with our fans, everyone so we are excited and prepared for this game,” he added.

Zambia aim is to finish on a high at home

“We are expecting the same; we ask you the fans to come and give us support and give us a boost. Please come in numbers, we need you especially in this important game which is the last game,” he says.

“Let us bring the support. This is the last game in the qualification so we want to finish strong; also, we are home so we want to finish in a good way.”

On the FIFA World Cup second place permutations, “It is very important to finish second then we see what happens, then it will give us another boost for what is coming ahead.”

He added: “We have AFCON soon, so each and every game for us is for preparation. Like I always say we have a team, we just need to continue working hard, we need to continue supporting each other, and the future is bright.”

Nine group winners will qualify to the FIFA World Cup while four best second placed teams will progress to the play-offs where the winner will grab the remaining slot for Africa.

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