Zambianfootball.net

It’s been an intriguing and exciting build up to today’s FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifier between joint group c leaders at Chililabombwe’s Konkola Stadium were Zambia host the desert foxes of Algeria with Kickoff at 14:00 CAT.

When the draws for the final round of the qualifiers were made people tipped Egypt as the favourites but after two games in the group, it’s the fast improving Chipolopolo Boys and Rabah Sadaame coached North African s occupying the top slot with four points. Click here to watch the game live on the internet.

Both coaches, Herve ‘Super Fox’ Renard of Zambia and the veteran Sadaame have acknowledged that Egypt is still the favourites after watching the Pharaohs’ impressive display at the ongoing confederation cup in South Africa. Unlike his opposite rival who can boast of guiding his native country to the 1986 World Cup, Renard is still building his CV.

The French born trainer will be looking for his 11th victory as Zambia coach after being in-charge of 26 games including two under-20 games. Renard’s Chipolopolo Boys is the opposite of the previous teams under the late Ian Poterfield, Roald Poulsen, Ben Bamfuchile, George Mungwa, Jan Brouwer, Kalusha Bwalya and Patrick Phiri.

The Bullets training Konkola on Friday

Unlike the teams of the past were they had one philosophy, ‘the best way to defend is to attack,’ the Frenchman has made changes with putting emphasis on the defence which has only conceeded two goals in the qualifiers so far but again his cautious way has affected the team’s attacking prowess.

In todays’ encounter, Renard is expected to make one change bringing in Jacob Mulenga for Noah Chivuta while Emmanuel  Mayuka looks set to start on the bench.

The defence will marshaled by Dennis Banda and Nyambe Mulenga who have got less that 24 caps between them. Nyambe will go head to head with AEK Athens’ Ghezzal.

In the middle of the park, Francis Kasonde will continue in the holding role and will relish a battle with Karim Ziani of Olympique Marseille. Upfront CHAN 2009 Golden boot winner, Given ‘Freedom’ Singuluma will be man to lead the attack for Zambia but one expects real battle between Antan Yahia and Mulenga.

Zambia: Mweene-Musonda, Nyambe, Banda, Mbola-Felix, Kasonde, Kalaba-Chris, Singuluma, Mulenga.

Prediction: Zambia 2-1 Algeria

Key man: Jacob Mulenga- The Utrecht fc of Holland new striker will be Zambia’s main man on the pitch. He might not score but should he use his physicak strength and harass the arabs’ defence then this might assist release the goal poacher, Singuluma.

Mulenga’s strength will also needed on the other end of the pitch-defending- especially during set pieces and corners.

Man to Watch: Karim Ziani- he is the golden boy the ‘Greens’ and his clever run and defence splitting passes might help Algeria sneak a win.

The boy to watch: From the youngsters in camp; Mbola, Stophira Sunzu, Mayuka, William Njobvu and Fwayo Tembo. The Zamfoot Crew has a gut feeling that it might be Fwayo’s day to announce his arrival on the international stage.

Fwayo nicknamed the ‘Galactico’ will be making his home international debut in front of the home ground and should the services be required, he might turn out the hero…yes he might rescue Zambia……watch this space.