Zambia U17 head coach Ian Bakala stated that his team will give everything when they face leaders Morocco in the next Group B game at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
The Junior Chipolopolos are currently bottom of the group after two defeats to the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria in their opening game and the Amajimbos of South Africa on Wednesday.
Their hopes of qualifying for the last eight, albeit slim, hinge on them overcoming the North African giants, who have already booked a spot in the next round after defeating Nigeria 1-0 on Wednesday.
Despite entering the tie against the Atlas Cubs without a point on the board, Bakala remains defiant and reiterates that his boys will need to fight and give all they have if they are to come out with the much-needed win.
“I think we have a high chance to beat Morocco. Most likely they will come underrating us and change the team but we are not relying on that,” Bakala said.
“We have to go there and win the game as it is a do or die match, and we will give our all to try and forge into the next round.”
The 42-year-old Zambian also expressed his disappointment at their 3-2 defeat to their COSAFA rivals South Africa at the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constatine.
Zambia had initially come back from two goals down to tie the scores at 2-2 after Vicky Mkhawana’s brace had put South Africa ahead. However, a drop in concentration saw them go down again with 14 minutes to play in regulation time.
“It is very painful to lose this match this way,” Bakala said. “With the way the game was going, we didn’t expect to lose.
“We had started the game with two defensive midfielder and the changes we made, we removed one. It gave us more strength in attack because after that we attacked more and created more chances.
“We conceded a very soft goal but we must put this behind our backs and try to focus on Morocco,” he concluded.
Following Wednesday’s loss, Zambia can only progress to the quarterfinals as one of the best two third-placed teams and will do well to hit the ground running when they face Morocco on Saturday, May 6, at the 19 Mai 1956 Stadium in Annaba at 8pm WAT.
