June 18, 2009
By Ba Muzo
Four years in football is eternity. The football World Cup is arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet. It is a
The stakes have not been any higher. This game is a decider. This game is a cliff hanger. This game is life on the road to the 2010 soccer fiesta in South Africa. Appearance at this festival has long eluded Zambia. But this year with a solid start, Zambia are on the verge of accomplishing the mission impossible. Algeria graced the finals twice at Spain 1982 and Mexico 1986. First time, the same Africa country made two consecutive World Cup finals. But Zambia, still a big fat zero in the present column at the FIFA premier event.
USA 1994 looked a real prospect for Zambia but Gabon had other ideas. First, their land swallowed Zambia’s cream footballers in that horror crash in April 1993. Then, like the eagle on our flag, we arose to rebuild from the ashes but only to be denied by suspect refereeing by another Gabonese Jean Fidel Diramba when we only needed a point at Morocco but lost 1 nil. Our World Cup dream was dead and buried like our heroes.
With a creditable draw in Egypt and a gritty 1-0 win over Rwanda a fortnight ago, the Chipolopolo Boys take to the condemned turf at Konkola hoping to break the voodoo that has hunted Zambia in her quest to play at the World Cup.
The clarion call for the Chipolopolo Boys is: It’s now or never!
North Africa teams have long been our nemesis in the run for World Cup glory. I have already mentioned how the Moroccans in that war against twelve men prevented us from USA 1994. Charles Musonda will tell you how he lost a tooth in that war!
In 1985, Algeria made short work of Zambia. The Algerians inspired by their legend Rabah Madjeh shocked a packed Independence Stadium on 28 July, with a 1-0 away win to qualify to the final round enroute to Mexico 1986 with a 3-0 aggregate score. They had won 2-0 in Algiers three weeks earlier.
Algeria stats
Won: 4 Drawn: 2 Lost 2
Form Guide: W W D D W
Coach Rabah Sadaame has used 24 players in 8 games played so far. Algeria has scored 10 goals and conceded 5 goals. They haven’t yet recorded a victory on the road. And 19 players are carrying yellow cards.
Defender Anta Yahia is the top scorer with two goals.
That result was a bitter pill to swallow for Zambia. Many a KK 11 faithful had hoped and prayed for the overturn in the reverse only to tumble by a lone goal at home. The hope like now was not unfounded. In the previous round, Zambia humiliated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun 5- 2 on aggregate. A ‘Big’ Michael Chabala inspired hat- trick silenced the West Africans 4-1 at Independence. Zambia went on to hold them 1-all in Yaounde.
The famous KK11 could have broken the jinx of qualifying to World Cup, many fans believe..
The achievement must be understood from the frame that Cameroun had been at Spain 1982. The Lions were a formidable side. They even boosted of Africa’s best goalkeeper and player in 1982, Thomas Nkono , Roger Milla, Emmaneul Kunde among others in their ranks. Imagine such a high profile and dreaded keeper as Nkono shipping an amazing four goals in a single game! It looked like an onward march to the land of the amigos’ but Algeria had other ideas. After eliminating Zambia they went on to spank Tunisia 7-1 on aggregate to advance to the World Cup finals. They were that good.
It is this same Algeria who stand in our way now. God forbid that they stumble us twice. This game will be tough. And like the adage ‘’When the going gets tough it’s only the tough that get going’’ its only Zambia that must get going on the road to South Africa after 90 minutes on Saturday.
Algeria are not the same as the Algeria of the 1980s but with their 3-1 defeat of Egypt they have their tails up. Medjah may not be there today but they have the talismanic Karim Zian of Olympic Marseille and the exciting Nadir Belhadj of English Priemership strugglers Portsmouth among others like French born pacy left sided wide man Hameur Bouazza of Fulham , another French born tough defensive player Majid Bougherra of Scottish Champions Rangers, Abdelkader Ghezza, a French born lethal striker plying his trade in Italy’s Serie A with AC Siena, yet another French born goal scoring defender Antar Yahia of German club Vfl Bochum, who can hold their own against any team in the world as they demonstrated against Egypt.
The Desert Warriors, Foxes or ‘Greens’ rely heavily on the technical giftedness of these players who were born in France and are well organized. These ‘imported’ Algerians are tactically disciplined because they have been schooled into football in France. They could have turned out for France if they so wished. Some of them like Ghezza who scored in the 3-1 defeat of Egypt had to be cajoled to play for the Desert Warriors. They are highly motivated and can only be underrated at one’s own peril.
But truth be told Algeria are poor travelers. Since they began the World Cup campaign from the 70s they are known to struggle on the road. They normally play poorly away from home. That is their history. They even failed to win in the Cape Verde in the 2002 qualifiers. They have already failed to win in Rwanda in this campaign. In the earlier round, they lost away to Senegal (1-0), Gambia (1-0) and only managed a scoreless draw with Liberia (0-0).
Surprise. Surprise. They have not even managed to score even a SINGLE goal away in the present run! They are irritants. They frustrate to get a valuable away point and go for the kill in Blida.
The Algerians have already indicated they will resort to long balls. They will put ten men behind the ball when not in possession.They will park the bus in front of goal and play on the counter. Its not because of the bad Konkola pitch. That is how they play away.
Like any soccer enthusiast worth their salt knows, the Arabs play dirty if it suits them when playing away. Suffice to say they normally throw fair play to the wind to get a result they desire. I don’t expect the Desert Foxes or the ‘Greens’ to behave any better come Saturday.
The onus then is on Herve ‘Super Fox’ Renard. His tactics must be spot on. The French born trainer has done a lot of talking prior to this match regarding the preparedness of his charges. I agree with him when he says ‘’This (Zambian) team is for the future.’’ The future is now. The future is Saturday. The future is the result against Algeria. That result must be a win!
Zambia Stats
Win: 3 Draw: 2 Loss: 1
-Zambia has recorded three victories at home (1-0 wins over Swazilanda, Togo & Rwanda).
-Rainford Kalaba, Francis Kasonde, Chris (pen) and Felix Katongo have scored a goal each.
-Herve Renard has used 27 players so far and Kennedy Mweene has only conceeded 2 goals.
-8 Zambian players have been booked with Isaac Chansa receiving a red card in the first game against Togo. Chris, Felix, Joseph Musonda and Mweene are the only players to have featured in all the six games.
********Zambia has played two games less because Eritea withdraw.
Zambia against all odds has what is takes to annihilate the Desert Warriors of Algeria. I may sound like a crazy man but we can beat these boastful and outspoken Algerians by a bagful of goals. But all that depends on the tactics Renard employs on the day.
This is not a day to play two holding midfielders disguised. Goals will be hard to come by like water in the Sahara desert with defensive formations and tactics.
I do not know whether its because Renard has told us his dream is to take Zambia to the AFCON In Angola first. If it’s the Nations Cup we are looking at, then we can gladly defend at home. But for the World Cup we need to take risks at times. This does not mean being careless. With a holding midfielder, in essence, you have five defenders on the pitch. But not SIX please.
We need to attack Algeria. We may need William Njobvu whose job itinerary is to play make to start. Or deploy Felix Katongo and Rainford Kalaba in central midfield to create our own Xavi-Iniesta axis in the centre. It is an open secret what damage the duo are capable of from the engine room. Felix even in his days at Chifubu Seconday School, his former teachers will tell you; he was always very effective from central midfield. Not the flanks.
Rainford Kalaba and Felix Katongo are being tipped to start in the central midfield with the latter being the auxillary midfielder while Kalaba will be the box to box midfielder.
On the flanks, you need natural wingers like Fwayo Tembo who knows the Arab game like the inside of his palms . If you want to curtail Belhadj sporadic forward movements that have made him an overnight hero among the Fratton Park faithful, set Fwayo on him. With his flair, Fwayo can tear Behaldj apart as well as provide a barrier to his forays in the Zambia area. He will add that width that lacked in the Rwanda match. Renard is not short of options in a squad that is oozing with embarrassing quality.
In order to preevent Belhaji from going forward Ba Muzo is suggesting Fwayo Tembo should start.
We need to see a Plan B of tactics. If there is no surgery to our game plan, we might live to regret! That Algerian coach looks very shrewd to me. Let him not ‘out fox’ the Super Fox!
Against Rwanda, natural scorers like Given Singuluma looked ineffective because of a sleeping midfield that looked like it had two defensive midfielders. Not wanting to employ a play maker is what has been frustrating to Isaac Chansa. At the CHAN, Zambia mesmerized because we played with an attacking midfielder every time. I do not know if I can make this case any further.
Jacob Mulenga should be a sure bet. But given his modest goal ratio for Zambia, I doubt whether it would be wise for him to lead the line. I am not suggesting anything but Emmanuel Mayuka or Singuluma would be in the reckoning for me with Mulenga and Chris Katongo deployed behind the main striker.
Super Fox might fall to the teenage Whizkid Emmanuel ‘Bomber’ Mayuka’s scoring instincts should Singuluma, Chris and Jacob Mulenga fail to unlock the Desert Foxes’ defence.
This is where I long for Collins Mbesuma. That lad in that position in his hey days would have been ideal in this match. But we need not cry over spilt milk. Mbesuma must be given enough rope not to tie himself up but his mental problems and throw them in the Red Sea! Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs are already lining up the South Africa record goal scorer being released by Mamelodi Sundowns this monthend. I believe he can resurrect his career. (The Algerian coach, Sadaane Rabah in his analysis says Mbesuma missed the penalty due to the bad pitch!)
I do not see any need to change a defence that has been remarkable in this final round of the qualifiers. But they will need to be on their toes all afternoon. It would be interesting to see how man of the moment Armenia based teenage starlet Emmanuel Mbola who is already attracting big name clubs in Europe and company cope.
Anyway, however Renard juggles his cards, I am supremely confident Zambia will carry the day. 4-4-2. 3-5-1 .4-3-3. 4-5-1. Whatever. We only need to carry the day. That is what Renard must see to first.
Their coach Sadaane Rabah can cry about the pitch and all that nonsense but we do not care as long as the points are in the bag.
The cry baby Sadaane can declare an Algeria national mourning after the Konkola disaster on Saturday for all we care! His hopes for the World Cup will be up in flames with defeat at Konkola on Saturday. Its not just this whiner who is interested in Zambia not winning Saturday.
Egypt may be at the Confederations Cup- the World Cup dress rehearsal- in South Africa currently but their minds will be at Konkola on Saturday. A Zambia win will almost certainly also spell doom for the Pharaohs for the real thing in 2010..
It will not be easy but who said the road to World Cup finals is paved with mediocrity?
This game is the penultimate home game for Zambia and we cannot afford to lose it or even draw it. A win will open the door to the World Cup very very wide for Zambia to enter! Anything less , will take us back to wait another four years. We shall all go green with envy when other nations shall be showcasing their skills in front of our eyes at the World Cup finals in South Africa if we boob. Zambia we cannot allow that to happen. Not this time.
Every Zambian is confident. The Chipolopolo boys are confident. The fans are confident. Herve Renard is confident. I am confident.
Now lets go and shut up the mouthy Algerians with a beating! And finally if you want to watch the match live on the internet please click here
Predicted Line up
Kennedy Mweene, Joseph Musonda,Emmaneul Mbola, Nyambe Mulenga, Dennis Banda, Francis Kasonde, Rainford Kalaba, Felix Katongo, Given Singuluma,Chris Katongo, Jacob Mulenga.(I will not put them in positions, I do not want to alert the Algerian spies)
Subs:Kalilo Kakonje, Chintu Kampamba, Hichani Himonde, Fwayo Tembo, Emmanuel Mayuka, William Njobvu.
Predicted Score : Zambia 2 Algeria 0
172 Comments on "Blog: It’s now or never"
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Seen from afar on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 7:36 PM
Nice Ba Muzo, i agree with every word!
Not sure who will play, Chris of course, but Jacob is a must (he should have started against Rwanda).
Step Aside on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 7:47 PM
Like always, another well researched and articulated article Ba Muzo. you have refreshed my memories of our lost chances in the past but those are the ones to motivate u this time and beat all odds.
I must say I also feel Fwayo should be given chance to tear apart the “cry babies” from the north.
I predict 3 – nil to Chipolopolo.
_______________________
SA 2010 Here We Come!!!
Step Aside on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:03 PM
Well there you are… hoping for a DRAW or WIN. Now let me tell you that CHIPOLOPOLO will be unleashed come 20 June and 5 July to take you (Algeria) down. There is nothing stoping us now. We shall continue to win the rest of our remaining games, both on good and bad turf.
We are versetile, were unstoppable, WE ARE CHIPOLOPOLO!!!
_______________________
SA 2010 Here WE Come!!!
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:15 PM
Nice article Ba Muzo, Good luck to the Chipolopolo boys We have to beat Algeria on Saturday. Then hold them in Algiers. Off topic Brazil’s third goal against USA in the Confederations Cup, was ridiculous. About to watch Egypt vs Italy this will be a tough match. Am jelous that Egypt has to play these world class teams while we stuck with Algeria.
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:21 PM
By the way I love the pic of the Chipolopolo fans! Love it!
wise on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:29 PM
A dice is cast,all the best chipolopolo
Whisper on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 8:36 PM
Ba Muzo, nice piece yet again. I totally agree with your line up, but Renard has to be looking at Chris with a critical eye. The guy hasn’t been his best over the last few matches, so it might be that Fwayo comes in at some point. Also if Given isn’t firing then it might be that Jaco comes central and Jonas goes onto the right.
Guys for some reason I feel that Felix will unleash a ‘scorcher’ (as umbuya Dennis Liwewe would say) on Saturday. Guys, when Gattuso comes back do you think he will get into the team and if so who for?
Steven on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 9:12 PM
Egypt 1 Italy 0, 40 minutes gone.
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 9:17 PM
Halftime Egypt 1 Italy 0
Anonymous on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 9:30 PM
Game time i hope thats not what you look like, lol. Anyway we are now counting down, Zambia clad in green vs the algerians push for a draw, i hope Fwayo starts along side felix rainford chris and jacob, this way we have speed, chipantepante and goal, confuse the enemy is what we need iyi yena if we dont go pa salbay ninshi fya kuyi fwayila. Viva Zambia, Viva Chipolopolo
Justice Kafusha on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 9:42 PM
@Whisper
I was wondering over the same with Isaac, especially if we win we may find it difficult
Gesh on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:25 PM
Yes We Can…Yes We Can!!!!!!
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:26 PM
Egypt won. They are pathetic though, they ended receiving two yellow cards for time wasting. Do they expect to qualify to the world cup by wasting time. I was rooting for them because I don’t like Italy, but I wasn’t impressed.
Steven on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:27 PM
That Isaac situation is tricky, but it is definitely a good problem to have for Zambian football. Meanwhile, Egypt just beat Italy 1-0. This should motivate Zambia because we drew against this Egyptian team. I watched the game, they played well, but nothing more than how they played against Zambia, so we should feel good about ourselves.
Steven on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:29 PM
Agrred, not very impressive, but as usual Arab countries lose discipline very easily.
Whisper on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:37 PM
As much as I tried I couldn’t bring myself to support Egypt, not after El Hadry spat in Jacob’s face. That is a sub human thing to do. I hate the way they waste time and are always trying to chat towards the win.
TK on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:49 PM
Man the egyptians are the ones! Those guys kept some good hebrews in bondage for 400 years! Anyway, less than 48 hours before ours. Its geting tense. All the best zambia. Let me be modest and predict zambia 1 algeria 0. A win ‘s a win!
Anonymous on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 10:54 PM
Wow ! A win against the world champions does not impress you ?
Ha ha ha
Elcondor on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:01 PM
no hard feelings guys! Algerians are aleady planning a big party to celebrate, come saturday!i predict a 2-0 to the greens.
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:06 PM
I just downloaded a software that records streams Am going to start recording all of Zambia’s game’s starting with Zambia vs Rwanda today.
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:09 PM
Wow Am ready to start putting these videos on CD’s
Luapula Fish on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:15 PM
I feel Isaac is still the best midfield player we have when played in the right position.We have seen his performances against South Africa and his old days at pirates and not forgeting the combination at his current club.Isaac is not only gud at short passes lik Kalaba and Feligo but is also accurate at switching play with long searching passes and his good striking qualities outside the box makes a complete player. Lets hope HR will find room to som room for him ,even a rotation would be motivational
Gametime12 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:16 PM
Anonymous did you watch the game?
KK11 on Thu, 18th Jun 2009 11:55 PM
Gentlemen This game is like a cup final. This is the closest in a decade we have come to seeing the promised land. The guys need to come out and play freely, play Zambian football. 2moro night if i were in the camp i would gather the entire entourage and put in the Zambia vs Tunisia dvd from 89, i would leave and let them soak it all in. Every 4th year June comes around and the wc qualifiers are present, but the other big thing is my bday. The past 15yrs they have been painfull June’s (especially 97 loosing to SA ON MY BDAY) but i hope this one is one i will look back too and say the kids came thru for me. So come Saturday, like i have done every 4 years i will sit and watch or wait for updates hoping that my beloved team will come thru for me because fact is I AM NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER i need to see them at the big dance. what is my gut feeling? well Zambia will play thier best game to date because i feel that we are the better team and the Arabs are feeling themselves. I am not one to predict scorelines but i will take the 3 points!
Remember porterfield on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:08 AM
I know this is off topic but can some Zambian soccer historian help me on this one? Who was Ginger Pensulo? I read in the post newspaper way back in 95 b4 i left Zed that he was the first Zambian professional player. they said he played in SA in 1945. Anybody to confirm this?
DaMwiinger on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:21 AM
Heish I am too nervous about this one and this is usually a bad sign-I hope this won’t be the case this time around. Chipolopolo!!!!
Mario on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:23 AM
I also watched the game. Italy could’ve scored a couple of goals if their strikers were sharper and if they made better use of set pieces. Egypt played a fairly good game, but most of the time didn’t know what to do with the ball in the final 3rd. Zambia can definitely gain confidence because I don’t think Egypt are playing any different to when they played Zambia either. Their goalkeeper is totally useless and a time waster. The commentator said it was an historic result because its the first time an African team has beaten Italy…I guess he didn’t do his homework. The Seoul Olympics 4-0 win for Zambia was a genuine ‘A’ match since age restrictions were only introduced at the Barcelona Games.
Kuku on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:50 AM
Kk11 you have made my morning. Bless you! Zambia will get you a birthday present of 3-1
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:00 AM
zamfoot can We please have a petition letter to Coca cola to have the format of their inter schools tournament changaed as some bloggers have suggested? i think it will be great for the national soccer team.
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:03 AM
somebody pls get that commentater to Malipodi or even george compound
Monk P on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:44 AM
This is the best opportunity for Zambia to make its mark on world soccer.The all world will be expecting to see Egypt next year, for the 2010 WC but that will not be the case.Instead it will be the might Chipolopolo!!!!
To all those who will be there….PLEASE CHEER THE BOYS ‘NON-STOP’ FROM THE WORD GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO ZAMBIA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 3:13 AM
@Seasoned Soccer Fan-USA
Its called WMrecorder….I recorded the whole Zambia vs Rwanda game. I’ll see if I can post it on Youtube. The file is not too big though its only 274 mb
Monk P on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 3:47 AM
post the link wheb u are done please…and where u getting the Rwanda game from?
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 3:54 AM
Myafricanfootball.com You can buy old videos
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:39 AM
I think yes. With ba muzo’s line up we can win the game. God b with us all the way to sa2010, in jesus name. Amen
Guy wapa Zed on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:41 AM
I think yes. With ba muzo’s line up we can win the game. God b with us all the way to sa2010, in jesus name. Amen
Marty USA on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:45 AM
@Algerian
Am sorry you confuse me. How many supporters were in Egypt again? Oh, that right we are just going to ignore that fact. You are in trouble buddy. If Egypt wins both legs against Rwanda you are finished you won’t even see the AFCON.
Justice Kafusha on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 6:51 AM
John Ginger Pensulo played for Roan United. He was a right winger if I recall from what I read in the then Mining Mirror regarding Soccer Stars of the past. He played at the during the same period as Goalkeepers Tolomeo Mwansa and Philip Sabu, Henry Kalimukwa etc. He was a great player but I do not recall he played in SA. As for the records the first professional Zambian football players were Fred Mwila and Emment Kapengwe who played for Atlanta Chiefs in the USA at the same time and in the same as the Great Pele of Brazil
Justice Kafusha on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 6:56 AM
IF
Matafwali on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 7:13 AM
I love ba Muzo’s lineup although I would make a case for Njobvu and Fwayo in the starting lineup for the same reasons that have well articulated by ba Muzo. I definitely want to see Singuluma and Jacob upfront.
FBM on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 7:27 AM
Kaizer Chiefs not interested in Mbesuma’
Written by Namatama Mundia
KAIZER Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung yesterday said his club is not interested in signing on Collins Mbesuma.
Speaking in an interview from South Africa, Motaung said his club will not re-sign their former goal-scoring hero Mbesuma whose contract with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns expires on June 30.
“Yes, he (Mbesuma) has been our player before but we are not interested in him,” Motaung said. “So I don’t understand these reports which are linking him to our club.”
Mbesuma’s agent Francesco Ferreri on Wednesday told Kickoff that they were one or two teams which had expressed interest in the former Roan United striker.
Ferreri told Kickoff that he believes Mbesuma still has a lot to offer in terms of playing in South Africa.
Mbesuma will be a free agent at the end of the month after Sundowns declined to renew his contract subsquent to joining them at the start of the 2008/2009 season in August last year following an unsuccessful spell at Bursaspor in Turkey.
Billy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:17 AM
I really sympathise with you. You dont know what you are talking about. You will cry on saturday. Our chipolopolo boys are young strong and tough. With fresh blood in their arteries and veins. You are in for trouble algeria. Watch this space, you will cry. Ask egypt. They were even luck to come out with a draw in cairo had Jacob not missed.
Concerned on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:26 AM
We need an all out attack but defending in numbers when we lose possession.
Kolokombwa on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:55 AM
Whisper, i agree with you on Chris Katongo. He hasnt been at his best and i think Fwayo can play better. Thwe only unfortunate thing is that he is captain. Its very difficult or rather coaches are reluctant to substitute captains, but hey , theres SA 2010 at stake !
As for the Algerian, he should know that to tomorrow, we are going Fox hunting. We will off course carry live copper bullets ( Ichipolopolo ). This is our time ! As ba Muzo says, its now or never ! The eagle will fly once more tomorrow. Go mighty Zambia Go !!!
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 9:17 AM
I do not think Chris should be benched not for this game. If Isaac was around I would have been confortable with Chris on the bench. As at now we need him cause of his fight
Georgia Russia on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 9:30 AM
its now or never,its been a long trip for the once called mighty zambia.we cant afford to miss out on this one.we have the players,supporters,cash and coach to deliver.let us revive the spirit of indipodo were big teams wud fall at the hands of zambia.i shall support zambia and stand by them even in diffcot times.its chipolopolo,iye ba zambia.
Chamz on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 9:51 AM
People are saying, Chris has not performed since 3-1 beating of SA. That is not true Chris was our best player in Ghana (africa cup) together with Felix. It was from Chris corner we scored in Cairo, Chris had a goal disallowed in Accra againt Togo. Chris scored that penalty against Swaziland. I think it is better to play experienced players like Felix, Chris, Jacob first and let Freedom, Mayuka, Fwayo come in as impact players. Given was given a chance against Rwanda but he failed to tick, Jacob had more influence in the few minutes he played. Lets just support the the team and the coach. HR will not play Chris if he knowns Chris is not doing anything. The problem with us fans is that we want players to be scoring then we say they are doing fine. Like HR says, football is funny, Algeria beat Egpyt, Egpyt beat Italy. Egpyt failed to beat Zambia at home.
Luapula Fish on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 10:04 AM
Reports By Algerian Sports Media Originally done in French
Yesterday at 16h03 local time that the delegation led by Mohamed Raouraoua arrived at Ndola airport, closest to Chililabombwe where the meeting will be held Zambia and Algeria. Scout party two days earlier, Djahid Zefzef, federal officer, was at home with a part of the Embassy of Algeria in Harare that covers the entire region in the absence of a diplomatic mission in Zambia. The least we can say is that the Algerian players were relieved to finally be in Zambia to focus fully on the match as a people waiting for thousands of miles away.
Two lost passports
First incident upon arrival in Zambia, two passports have disappeared. Wanting to ensure a smooth entry to the Algerians on the Zambian soil, the secretary general of the Federation went Zambian welcome members of the delegation at the foot of the terminal to retrieve their passports. First hitch: the lady has moved the frontier post with Algerian passports of players leaving them to cope with pafistes. It took the intervention of Mr. Raouraoua who discussed with the head of border police, then with the Secretary General of the FZF to resolve the problem in order to allow players to retrieve their luggage and join the bus. During the seven minutes of waiting, the intendant of the Federation has reported that two passports were missing. Panic at the airport in Ndola! Saâdane did not stop to ask the players if they had submitted their travel documents to the head of the Federation. To save time and allow the players to go rest a tiring journey, Raouraoua asked Walid Sadi remain at the airport get the two lost passports and travel only 120 kilometers between the airport Ndola at the hotel of the Greens which is Chingola.
“This is not an airport, it’s a garage!”
The first reaction of the players of the national team upon their arrival at Ndola was a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. They were initially surprised by the change of climate since the cool Pretoria gave way to a relatively warm climate it was 28 to 30 degrees in Ndola. However, this has almost laugh is the qualified International Airport Ndola when there was a shed, a small runway for airplanes and a large hole where the emerging luggage players. “It’s a garage, this is not an airport,” were screamed players half amused, half-disappointed. Basically, they know they were not there to walk in a luxury airport, it did not matter the mood. What interests them most, the three points tomorrow at Chililabombwe.
Saïfi and Achiou first prayer in Zambian Land
Once everything was settled, the players have joined the bus that was transporting them to Chingola where they take up their quarters for two days: probably both the most important days of the playoffs. Proof: The first reflex Saïfi was going to do his prayers in a corner of the airport followed by Achiou. “May God enable us to return to good health for our families” have said they doubt. “With the victory, it would be even better,” Algerians pray.
“Mr. Saâdane did you come redo the coup of 85? ”
While the majority of players were able to quietly join the bus, others have been harassed by journalists whose Zambian national TV present in force at the airport in Ndola to extract a few statements to the opponent of Chipolopolo.
Most were asked Nadir Belhadj since playing in the championship followed in the Zambia, Karim Ziani a real star in Zambia, but also the two Kabyles Rabie Meftah and Hocine Achiou because here the JSK is known to have confronted two local clubs Cup in Africa.
Our Zambian colleagues were also very interested in Saâdane by harassing questions, but one that meant the most was: “Mr. Saâdane did you come redo the coup of 85?” The response of the Sheikh was very diplomatic: “I am from achieving the best possible outcome facing a very good team, that’s all. ”
F. A. S
Zambians are preparing to Chililabombwe
While there are no hotel drinking Chililabombwe, the city where the match will take place Algeria-Zambia, Herve Renard has decided to remain in place to feel the atmosphere and pressure that will surround the game.
The Chipolopolo will prepare in a guest house, a kind of youth hostel.
Zaoui, never without his glasses South African
During a free time in South Africa, Samir Zaoui bought a pair of glasses in Pretoria. Eye glued to the face of Chéliffien since then, which has not escaped the eye and amuse than Achiou who asked us to take pictures of Zaoui with his glasses.
Belhadj Happy Birthday!
Nadir Belhadj had to celebrate his birthday on more exotic with his pals from the national team yesterday in the skies of South Africa. It had taken 27 years and friends have not forgotten by creating a beautiful ambiance.
The players affected by the death of the son of Lahlou
Several players, including local, were greatly affected by the passing of Abdelouahab Lahlou, son of the former president of NAHDA. Saïfi Bezzaz, especially Halliche who knows Abdou, were slaughtered with no doubt a thought for Mourad Lahlou.
The double of Moncharé everyone wrong
Everybody was sure, journalists first: the person who was in the plane that was to lead the Greens in Johannesburg to Ndola in Zambia was none other than
Daniel Moncharé, the former defender of the USMA. It had to have the heart to the net person. It turned out that this was not Moncharé.
The hotel Ndola better than the Sheraton in Johannesburg
The national team sent Djahid Zefzef, probably a relative of the former player of the JI in the 1960s and 70 since both are of Constantine. The federal officer had gone to Zambia as a scout. He chose a hotel that happens to be better than the Sheraton in Johannesburg. Zefzef was greeted by a member of the Federation of Zambian football. “I am pleasantly surprised by the reception we gave the Federation of Zambia,” said Djahid Zefzef. The Greens, for clarity, are accompanied by a cook.
13 flight hours, but wake up early in the morning
To board the flight to Johannesburg 13 hours, we had to prepare early in the morning because of difficulties due to traffic in the capital of South Africa. Indeed, on the road to the airport, we noticed the work. The city is redesigning the highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg and through the airport. In principle, the route from the hotel to the airport, a fifty of kilometers, not exceeding 35 minutes, we were told, but it should take precautions so as not to miss the flight. It is for this reason that our selected awoke early to take a shower and breakfast.
The higher temperature in South Africa
It is hotter in Zambia, more precisely in Ndola. The temperature fluctuates between 28 and 30 degrees. In Pretoria, instead of training the national team, the climate was milder.
Many Muslims in Chingola
In the town of Chingola in Zambia, it was noticed the presence of minarets, which explains the presence of many Zambians of the Muslim faith.
Where is it? What?
Many readers will certainly lose in the number of towns and places listed in the journey that is doing the selection of Algeria to play his game to face Zambia. So that everyone may benefit, here is a simplified presentation of all the cities where past or will the selection:
Johannesburg: the city where the airport where the aircraft landed with the national team returned to South Africa and where it took off yesterday for Zambia after its preparation stage.
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Pretoria: Capital of South Africa, where the selection of Algeria made its stage of preparation, some sixty kilometers from Johannesburg.
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Ndola: City Zambian international airport which is closest to Chililabombwe, a city which will host the match. It is located 353km from the capital Lusaka.
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Chingola: Zambian city where the selection will be hosted Algeria, 120km of remote N’dola. It goes by road.
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Chililabombwe: the city that houses the stadium where the match will take place Zambia and Algeria. It is located 22km from Chingola.
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Konkola Stadium: the name of the stadium where the match will take place.
connie on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 10:06 AM
Its really Nnow or Never. Who new that Egypt would be beat the world Champions by a Goal to nil.? None.!! Let Algeria Talk and we will wait for Tomorrow. Ohh Yes we can do it.!!!! And we will do it.
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 10:31 AM
Pa Zed pa ba uku umfwa bo gelo bambone singing ma 1 ayo. Bunda bwa ma suti
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 10:32 AM
Algeria arrived at our garage in Ndola
spaks on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:03 AM
Chiti, we were there for the team shouting and screaming, except the performance was not what we expected you know very well that goals have been hard to come by at home, we want lots of goals and you will see, if we can score in the first 5 minutes or even 10 you will wish you were pa bwendo, the atmosphere is electric and hey we even did the mexican wave
Big Steve from SA on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:05 AM
Eish some peopla are hard to impress. Not even a win over the world champions is enough to impress them, gosh!!! Egypt were a good team last night. They beat the world champions, does that not count for anything?? I repeat, THE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!! eish kaya mwe. sme of you guys realy surprise me, an African team beats the world champs and still you down play that achievement like it was just another thing. makes me wonder if you are truly ever happy when Zambia wins or you take it like it was just another thing.
To be honest I was expecting to be reading about how grweat Zambia is if it can hold Egypt in its own back yard, a team that can beat Italy with al the Gatusso’s, Tonni’s and Buffon’s in the line up. Yesterday I was proud to be African and more so Zambian. A team that held the team that beat the World champions. Gosh Zambia is a great footballing Nation
Amuna Onzuna on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:27 AM
With 10men behind the goal line,this match will be very tough but we can do it.
Nephas Ndhlovu on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:29 AM
I will give you the final line up tomorrow at 07:45hrs a minute after HR releases it.
kayula on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:39 AM
ni zhii!!
Egypt may have won but has not beaten italy before for that matter 4 goals to nil in favour of zambia.let them come they will see.
Zambla 3 algeria 1
Big Steve from SA on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:43 AM
Why are you even giving them 1 goal naimwe ba Kayula its Zambia 3 Algeria 0
Mchotsa Isaac on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 11:52 AM
Ma Muzo, i like all your analysis. This sight is so good. This is our time or never i agree
campos on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:21 PM
HEY GYZ…I wish u a win against Algeria ..but wtch out ..they ar very good in count attacks…they gave us AMAVUBI hard tyme whenever we attacked them…They played a 3-6-1 system here in Kigali…hpe they will use the same ..their danger man is this gy RAFIK and another Ziani..
We are also monitoring Egypt in SA..good luck
doyce musunsa on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:21 PM
guys i would luv to hear the legends commentry dennis luwewe to be in chilelabobwe?the 75digrees of his what do you think gents
spaks on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:42 PM
Campos you a true supporter and objective, im humbled. Thanks for the wishes
kashman on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:44 PM
Good to see u around Campos and thanx 4 tha best wishes.
Luapula Fish on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:45 PM
Thanx Campos
But from the analysis coming from Algerian press ,they ar likely to deploy not less than 4 men in defence coz of the high pace Chipolopolo attackers use. Most likely they will use a 4-5-1
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 12:51 PM
@Big Steve from SA
Did you watch the match? I was disgusted at how much an effort Egypt puts up at time wasting. If anything that was their lucky day, Senegal has done it before and it wasn’t in the confederations cup. They beat the world champions in the world cup, they only managed to get to the quarter finals. If Egypt continues to play the way they did against Italy, they wont get anywhere. I liked how they played against Brazil, Big Steve how do you explain receiving two yellow cards for time wasting? that’s just pathetic, I don’t care if you are Brazil or Ethiopia.
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:03 PM
Campos! am glad to hear from you. Thanks for the Information.
I personally wish the best game against Egypt. Don’t get scared by the way Egypt is faring at the Confederations cup. What Egypt is telling us is that everyone has the capability to perform beyond expectations. So this should be a morale booster to everyone, there is nothing now as big teams. We can do it. Viva Chipolopolo and Amavubu!
Georgia Russia on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:06 PM
@Big Steve from SA
great performance from egypt ba steve.it has given me thots coz that was a world class perfomance.hands up egypt.
Big Steve from SA on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:26 PM
Gametime when you are leading aganist such an oponent you have got to do what it takes to hold onto your win. Its art of the game, goaleepers will take longer than usual to take goal kicks, players wil fal alover the place on the tiniest touch etc. You cant be selective and think okay let me play fair all the time, its not an exibition game its about winning the game at al cost. Teams like TP Mazembe for years have not played attractive fotball but guess what, they are a winning side. For how long did the dutch play total fotball. Its about winning my man. You can play all fair and attractive and nice but if you cant hold onto a lead aganist the world champions at all cost then you are doing nothing. Its about gals and winning not about yelow cards and time wasting.
I feel you my man, did you see how many times the gyptian keeper saved spot shots?? they played good and it makes me want to watch the Egypt zambia game even more. that level of withstanding presure fora a whole 2nd half was just amazing. watching yesterdays game I think Pele’s predcton at the 2002 world cup that Africa could take it in the ext two world cups could be true. I think we have the mantle and game strength to bring the world cup to africa this time around. Footbal house in Lusaka should prepare a cabinet just for that.
Billy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:29 PM
Which sight is so good Mchotsa Isaac? Do you mean site brother?
Justice Kafusha on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:33 PM
Just seen the Zambia Vs Rwanda game. The playing turf is pathetic I hope something has been done. The grass it is like there is no water in Zambia. No wonder we opted to playing long balls. I can see the trapping of the ball was difficult. We usually play a passing game but it seems things have changed. Balls flying over the midfield. We have to really be at our best to beat Algeria. I noticed Felix Katongo loosing the ball carelessly. If we will play like that Vs Algeria then we will in for a rude shock
As for the spotkick Chris wanted to take it but Mbesuma got the ball, I could see Chris talking to Mbesuma. The kick was horrible to say the least. I have not been worried but I am worried of the playing surface
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:41 PM
Big Steve I understand time wasting is part of the game, but not to the point were your key players end up being carded. Do you know how bad it is to receive a yellow card at a tournament. 1 more yellow card, those guys are going to miss a game. I do agree wit you that Egypt played well and held their own. They deserved the win, but the time wasting was too obvious. They wont last in this tournament, Big Steve you will soon agree with me.
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:45 PM
Ba Justice I cant predict tomorrow’s game, because it will be totally different from the other games. Algeria failed to perform in Rwanda, we tied with Egypt, and they thrashed Egypt. For some reason am confident that tomorrow’s results will be positive.
Magic on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:49 PM
Good to hear from you…
Anonymous on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 1:55 PM
How come the mighty Zambian Football Association did nothing to provide for a decent football stadium for international events ? Is it lack of revenue, and/or incompetence, and/or corruption ?
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:01 PM
Anonymous its all of the above
Georgia Russia on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:02 PM
egypt were good in all departments.i personally learnt a lesson that if the egyptian team we draw with can beat the world champions,why cant zambia do it.the egypt brazil game should instead give our players some morale that they can play any team and come out with a win.algeria is no stranger to zambian soccer and most of the games we have played against them have ended up in draws,making it a very diffcult match.A quick goal for zambia wud boast up our chances of winning.good luck boys.
Never on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:09 PM
We thank Rupiah Banda for the massive financial support he has solicited for our national team.At least that is the postive this man has brought to Zambia
Justice Kafusha on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:12 PM
What worries me is the playing surface and the fact that we do not have a playmaker in our team. Anyway I hope for the best
new york giant on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:13 PM
This article is so insightful : great job! Can someone show us the Zambian line up,please?
James Zulu on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:26 PM
Great article ba Muzo….It is time, history in the making…Go Zambia Go
Don Jay on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:27 PM
Bloggers
Can someone please advise the link to watch the live soccer match for us in diaspora??
kaluz on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:28 PM
i have never been so hoptmistic. i can feel it all over me tomorows game we are going to wine so help me God. our time is now
Billy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 2:41 PM
Its not about revenue, but the other two. You dont need much to make the ptch playable. Just put water sprays overnight on the pitch and a bit of manure. Thats. Coutries in the sahara, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, name them have good pitches. Zambia is endowed with plenty of water and rainful. Manje kaya. Lol!
Whisper on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 3:20 PM
BaGametime. Cheers mwana. As you have named the channel Chipolopolo boyz I’m guessing that you will be putting other videos on there.
Zamfoot, how about a link on the site?
Gametime12 on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 3:50 PM
Yes Whisper I want to upload as many videos as I Can, but ba myafricanfootball is trying to play me. I paid for a game that am not able to watch, and its only available for 48 hours I hope they will resolve this issue.
KABYLUS TAR NEW YORK on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 4:50 PM
Pffff you are crazy my brother to think that your players (the chipoloto) who have wear their first football shoes during the match agains egypt gonna do something against the wonderful Algerian players.
Algeria gonna kick your ass, and you will go back to eat your banana in your shit stadium.
KABYLUS TAR NEW YORK on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 4:51 PM
Pffff you are crazy my brother to think that your players (the chipoloto) who have wear their first football shoes during the match agains egypt gonna do something against the wonderful Algerian players.
Algeria gonna kick your ass, and you will go back to eat your banana in your shit stadium.
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@Step Aside
Vincent Numbwa on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:12 PM
ZAMBIA 4 ALGERIA 0
Whisper on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:14 PM
iwe chiKabylus! How do you come onto our site and start saying such to us? We haven’t been racist towards you and you just launch onto us like that? I hope the CIA rounds you up and sends you to Guantanamo, you and your lice ridden beard S.O.B.
Steve Msimuko on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 5:36 PM
Iam an ardent Zambian soccer fan in Malawi and iam praying that Zambia makes it to SA MWEBANTU all these years without going to W/C we dont miss A/C someone must be sitting on our ticket to the W/C imagine all those great names have gone but nothing. Pray for gud luck tomorrow. That commentator ysterday in game between Egypt and Italy goofed by saying this is first time an African team has beaten Italy what lies even my wife who is not a soccer follower laughed it off that historic 4-0 bushing can not be easily erased EVEN Bagio was in the Italian team for God’s sake!!!!!! Go Zambia go go all the best guys.
Step Aside on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 6:16 PM
Iwe nshifwaya insele ine ndi mwina christu waumfwa. Lolela fye ifike 16 hours June 20 elyo okashininkishe ati ba Zambia ba mwela.
______________________
SA 2010 Here We Come!!!
algerian boy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:09 PM
one two three viva algerie
zampia 0- algeria 3
algerian boy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:16 PM
yaw machi 9alou makach conicsion fi zambia
algerian boy on Fri, 19th Jun 2009 8:29 PM
3-0 algeria win
Marty USA on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 1:17 AM
Hey boy, how come most of your good players are foreign born? Whats wrong with Algerian born players are they not good enough?
Monk P on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 4:29 AM
Gametime if you want to find the match by searching use your channnel name i.e ”CHIPOLOPOLOBOYZ” Thank you
Gametime12 on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 6:35 AM
Monk P I figured I could do that but I wanted it to be easier for everybody else to find the videos. Ba Justice I have to take my words back, I guess “these people” are really arrogant.
Marty USA on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 7:54 AM
Renard knows how to play Arab teams. Zambia 2-0
Anonymous on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 9:02 AM
And you will marry Megan Fox too
Don Jay on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 9:44 AM
Guys which link can i use to watch the match online??
kenneth on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 12:51 PM
anyone else having issues with myafricanfootball.com?
I purchased a LIVE pass to the ZAM-Alg game, and now it seems they’ve removed the game from the lineup?
Anonymous on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 1:20 PM
Just corrected …
fennec my love on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 4:25 PM
Hey Zambian where are you ? Dont cry it’s only a game .But you know 2 goals i think it’s enough for for this show W’ll wait you in ALGERIA Incha-Allah with more goals . Bye HAVE A NICE WEEK-END
ONE TWO THREE V I V A L ‘ A L G E R I E
kenneth on Sat, 20th Jun 2009 4:53 PM
Latest developments with myafricanfootball.com, the game returned to the lineup, I watched the game live with good streaming image quality. I can recommend this service to Z fans.
The only problem was the scoreline – our boyz just couldn’t score today!