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Battle of Lusaka

Both Zambia and Malawi Under-23 national team coaches say they expect a tough match when two sides clash this afternoon in Under-23 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia.

Speaking after losing 1-0 in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium on Friday, Malawi coach Meke Mwase said they will go flat out to upset tables.

U-23’s Precious Sambani (2ndL) and Hassan Kajoke (2ndR) in action
against Zambia

“It’s unfortunate because we did not expect to lose in the first leg. We had a

We conceded a goal because of communication breakdown towards the end of the match,” he said.lot of confidence in ourselves.

Malawi was punished by from Belgium-based Fashion Sakala’s goal after the defence failed to clear a corner kick.

“But it’s not over until it is over. We still have a chance. The second leg will be tough because we will be playing away after conceding at home. But we can upset the tables. If they scored in Malawi, we can also score in Lusaka,”said Mwase.

Captain Chimwemwe Idana also promised that the players would die for their country.

“That was a painful loss to us as players and we can only pay back by at least winning the second leg,” he said.

Mwase is expected to maintain the same squad with Brighton Munthali in goals and Dennis Chembezi, Hadji Wali and Trevor Kalema in defence.

Precious Sambani will have to overlap on the left wing while Isaac Kaliyati will be on the right flank.

Idana will hold the midfield while Levison Maganizo will be attacking in front of him.

Upfront, Mwase will rely on Hassan Kajoke as lone striker while Peter Banda and Mike Mkwate will support him as wide attackers.

Zambia coach Beston Chambeshi also said he will maintain the same team he used

in the first leg.

He is expected to maintain Mangani Banda in goals, Shemmy Mayembe, Kepson Kamanga, Solomon Sakala and Mosese Nyondo in defence.

Boyd Musonda, Kingsley Kangwa, Harrison Chisala, Enock Mwepu will man the midfield while Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala will attack.

Chambeshi said they will not underrate Malawi though going into the match with an away goal advantage.

“We played the first-half in Malawi and this will be the second-half. Playing away and getting a goal was good for us, but we have to be careful at home. We didn’t play our usual game in Malawi. The artificial turf affected us. Our possession was not good at all. It was difficult to control the speed of the ball. At home, we should be able to play our usual game on natural turf,” he said.

The former Chipolopolo player said he expects Malawi to come flat out.

“Malawi will play an open game. They will not defend and that will be good for us as we expect them to open up at the back and make mistakes,” he said

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