Zambia Vs Uganda Match Preview | International Friendly International Friendly, Wednesday March 5, 2014 Zambia Vs Uganda – Levy Mwanawasa stadium @ 5.30pm Uganda Cranes will renew acquaintances with familiar foes Chipolopolo of Zambia when the two face off in an international friendly game on Wednesday March 5 at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola. Though it’s just a friendly game, both coaches have their A teams and will be playing for victory. Cranes skipper Andrew Mwesigwa says if the Cranes are to start winning away from home when the 2015 Afcon qualifiers start, they must beat Zambia today in Ndola. “If you want to perfect something you need to practice it,” Mwesigwa started in a pre-match conference. “Now it is our chance to try and win away from home if we are to do it again in the forthcoming qualifiers,” the Kazakhstan based defender argued. For Zambia’s Stoppila Sunzu, the game against Uganda is a perfect test for Chipolopolo and he expects a competitive game despite it being a friendly. “This is a big game for us because Uganda gave us hard time here and in Kampala during 2013 Afcon qualifiers,” said Sunzu. “I believe the technical committee was spot on to invite Uganda. For this day we can’t ask much so, fans will enjoy a very competitive game.” Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic ‘Micho’ has emphasized to his players that this is a crucial game against an African powerhouse, which players should not take lightly. Micho said that the game will show him the shape of the team before the preliminary round of the Afcon games starts in May. Nevertheless, the Serb says Zambia has much respect for Uganda; the reason why they summoned their best team for the game. “Zambia respects Uganda so much something explained by the fact that they have assembled the best players for the game,” Micho said. The game will be Patrice Beaumelle’s first at home since replacing his mentor Herve Renard in October 2012. The French coach has been in charge for straight nine away games since his appointment and is already excited of taking charge of his maiden home game. “It is my first game as head coach with Chipolopolo at home, so everybody is expecting to watch a good game. As a coach when the team play, you want to win,” Beaumelle stated. “So, to make me happy and to make Zambians happy, we are expecting a good game from the boys, good football from Zambia with a win,” Beaumelle added. UGANDA TEAM NEWS: The Cranes will be without three key players for the game; Geoffrey Massa (injury), Henry Kalungi and Tony Mawejje (travel issues) plus first choice left full back Godfrey Walusimbi (no reason given). Despite so, Micho has a number of options with either Isaac Isinde and Richard Kasagga tipped to partner skipper Andrew Mwesigwa at the heart of defence while Tusker FC midfielder Aucho Khalid is expected to fill the void left by Tony Mawejje in central midfielder whilst Isaac Muleme will replace Walusimbi at left back. In the absence of Massa, Micho has options in attack with Yanga duo of Hamis Kiiza and Emmanuel Okwi available for selection in addition to Gor Mahia striker Daniel Sserunkuma and Soana’s Francis Olaki. The Cranes squad in Zambia: Denis Onyango, Robert Odongkara, Isaac Isinde, Andy Mwesigwa, Denis Guma, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Richard Kasagga, Boban Zirintusa, Geoffrey Kizito, Sula Matovu, Moses Oloya, Daniel Sserunkuma, Khalid Aucho, Emma Okwi, Hamis Kiiza, Francis Olaki ZAMBIA TEAM NEWS: Beaumelle has three absentees for the game with strikers Jacob Mulenga and James Chamanga ruled out due to injury while defender Hichani Himonde has been excused due to fitness problems. On the trio’s absence, Beaumelle says it’s an opportunity for other players to show what they can do to command starting berths on the team. “To some boys, who are with the national team, this is their chance today to play because Jacob and James are injured. So this will be a chance for the likes of Rodger Kola, Emmanuel Mayuka and some young boys to show they can play in the starting line-up. I am expecting a good game from everyone,” he said. On a brighter note, TP Mazembe attacking midfielder Rainford Kalaba who is yet to feature for Chipolopolo under Beaumelle returns to the team. Zambia squad: Goalkeepers: Joshua Titima, Nsabata Toaster, Kennedy Mweene Defenders: Davies Nkausu, Kabaso Chongo, Stoppila Sunzu, Bronson Chama, George Chilufya, Emmanuel Mbola, Joseph Musonda, Rodrick Kabwe Midfielders: Nathan Sinkala, Adrian Chama, Shadreck Malambo, Chisamba Lungu, Christopher Katongo, Lubambo Musonda, Rainford Kalaba, Kennedy Mudenda Forwards: Evans Kangwa, Emmanuel Mayuka, Rodger Kola, Moses Phiri DID YOU KNOW? -The Cranes have only beaten the Chipolopolo in Zambia (in a Cecafa group game) once in six attempts, with the other five ending in defeats. Their last visit was a 1-0 defeat in the 2013 Nations Cup qualifiers. -The two nations last met in the 2013 Afcon qualifiers in October 2012 at Namboole with Uganda winning 1-0 in normal time but eliminated 8-9 on penalties. Prediction: Friendly games are difficult to predict given the less importance attached to them. But both managers will encourage their charges not to play for a lesser result than a win. It’s a game against familiar opponents whose style of football is almost similar. I go for a scoring draw. Zambia 1-1 Uganda What is your prediction?
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 12:26:32 +0000
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