Skipper Katongo rallies his troops
Chipolopolo skipper Chris Katongo says the African champions are positive of a good result in their final Group C match against Burkina Faso in Mbombela.
Needing a victory, the reigning and defending champions of African take on a hugely confident Burkina Faso Tuesday night.
Going into the final round of Group C qualifiers, all teams in the group have a chance of progressing and have destiny in their own hands. Burkina Faso, who lead the group on four points need only a draw to go through and deny Zambia. Nigeria, also on two points and Ethiopia on a point clash in Rustenburg and the winner of that tie goes through.
A draw in that match and victory for Zambia over Burkina Faso would see Chipolopolo win the group and Burkina Faso going through as runners up.
Zambia is unbeaten in eight African Cup of Nations matches stretching back to the finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea last year.
Speaking during Zambia’s pre-match conference at the Hotel Protea Nelspruit Monday afternoon, Katongo said: “We are very positive. The pitch has been very bad but that is a matter we have set aside. We don’t mind that but it’s a thing people need to take into account. We’ve been playing on a very bad pitch and it’s difficult not only for us but all the teams.
“But on the game tomorrow, we’re going to win. We are very positive and we know what we need to do. We know that the fans and the people can say so many things; but for us, we are focused. The guys know what we need to do and the coach has a plan for that. We’re the ones in charge on the pitch and we will do it. Everything is good in our camp. All we need is three points and we going to get that tomorrow.”
He called on Zambians and fans to rally with the team and support the squad.
"We're positive; we're looking at nothing but a win," the Zambia skipper said.
