Zambia U-17 coach names team for Ghana match

COACH Osward Mutapa Jr has named an 18-member squad for this Sunday’s Rwanda

2011 African Under 17 Championship first round, return leg match against Ghana

in Accra.

Mutapa, who released the names in Lusaka on Tuesday after the morning training

session at Barclays Sports Complex, said the technical bench has selected a

formidable squad capable of qualifying the team to the next round.

He said the technical bench had difficulties picking the final team because of

stiff competition in camp.

Mutapa urged players, who have been dropped, not to lose heart because they will

be considered for future tournaments.

“I am happy we managed to come up with the best 18.

There was too much competition among the boys. For those who have been dropped

should not worry because this is not the end of the road,” Mutapa said.

He said the team has had adequate preparations for the game and nothing will

stop the them from getting a positive result in Accra.

Mutapa said the players are aware of the importance of the match and looking

forward to the match.

He urged the players to have confidence in themselves, continue working hard and

concentrate if they are to carry day.

“We are not going there (Ghana) to defend. Our aim is to score as many goals as

we can because we want to remain in the championship until the last day.

“I am sure everyone knows the reason why we are in this competition. I expect

the boys to grind out another victory this Sunday,” he said.

Zambia beat the Black Starlets of Ghana 2-1 at Woodlands Stadium, with Moses

Phiri and Emmanuel Phiri scoring the goals for the Junior Chipolopolo.

The team is expected to leave for Ghana this morning.

The team:

Goalkeepers: John Banda, Charles Mweemba

Defenders: Musesha Phiri, Alex Sichone, Kachalo Banda, Chishimba Changala,

Wilson Zulu, Malone Gondwe

Midfielders: Stephen Mutama, Shadrick Malambo, Patrick Sakala, Larry Bwalya,

Masautso Tembo, Lubambo Musonda.

Strikers: Moses Phiri, Emanuel Phiri, Ronald Kampamba and Chris Chishimba.

The victors of this tie will play the winners of the match between Senegal and

Guinea on the weekend of November 5, 6 and 7.