By Daily Sports on August 29, 2017

Zambia may have recorded only a point in two World Cup qualifiers, but they have insisted they will not give up hope of upsetting Nigeria and Cameroon to qualify for Russia 2018.

They have a point from a 1-1 draw at Cameroon in November after they lost 2-1 at home to Nigeria the previous month.

The Chipolopolo welcome Algeria, who also have a point in the qualifiers, on Saturday at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Kick-off is 2pm Nigerian time.Coach Wedson Nyirenda said he remains bullish of his team’s chances against the North Africans, who have beaten them in Lusaka, Ndola and most recently Chililabombwe and enjoy a superior head-to-head record.

“We have nothing to lose but everything to gain,” he maintained.

“It will not be an easy task as we have new team, a mix of young boys and senior players. We will have a few trainings and hope to blend the team in time for the first match.“

Algeria are a big force in Africa, No 1 some time ago. We will approach them with a lot of caution, but we don’t fear them, we respect them.

”Nyirenda has overlooked several of Zambia top stars like striker Collins Mbesuma and midfielder Nathan Sinkala and they will also be without skipper Rainford Kalaba, who is suspended after his second booking in the qualifiers.

The coach has instead called up as many as seven players from the country’s fine run at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Korea earlier this year.

Stand-in captain and goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene said he expects the youngsters to bring a lot more energy to the team.

“It’s not about age, it’s about your performance,” said the experienced South Africa-based shot stopper.

“We’re still in contention, because the way you start is not always the way you end.“

We will do our best because the only result acceptable at home will be a win.

”Austria-based midfielder Enock Mwepu said he looks forward to a winning debut with the full international team after he proved himself at the U20 World Cup.“

It’s my first time in the main national team and I hope to play,” he said.

“We hope to make it big. Algeria is just a name and we look forward to win the game.”

The second encounter in Algeria will be on September 5 in Constantine.

•Photo shows Zambia coach, Wedson Nyirenda.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 29, 2017

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