Amavubi need some luck-Gatete

World/Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers

Group C
Zambia   v  Rwanda (2pm)

Sunday
Algeria    v  Egypt

FINALLY, the day that could give Amavubi fans a smile or fallen faces is here. Throughout the whole week, these are some of the questions fans have been trying to answer; Can Amavubi get that priceless win in Zambia?

Can Katauti and his compatriots keep the Chipolopolo strikers quiet? Can the strikers be a lot sharper than they have been in the recent past?

Well, as things stand, Tucak Branko and his wasps have a mountain to climb when they play their second 2010 World/ Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia this afternoon at Konkola stadium.

The Amavubi Stars, who are at the foot of Group C after being held to a goalless draw by Algeria have to quickly pick themselves up after last Saturday’s setback where they lost 2-0 in a warm up game against Malawi.

It was the worst result Branko was looking for ahead of the Zambia clash but could also have served as a wake up call for the Croat who desperately needs a result today. Before flying to Malawi, Branko said that he had belief in the squad. 

"I have belief in this team and I’m sure we will get the result we all need. I have watched the video for the qualifier between Egypt and Zambia and even picked up a few tips from my fellow European coaches on how best to approach the Chipolopolo,” he was quoted as saying.

Although Amavubi striker Jimmy Gatete does not disagree with the Croat, he believes that sometimes you need divine luck to win such important matches.

"Some times, you need to play well and also pray that luck goes your way,” he said. Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo head coach Herve Renard is certain that his team will win.

"We have to think of playing and beating Rwanda and Algeria to top the group and with the confidence in the team, I know that we can,” he told the local media.

Renard however refused to be drawn into talking about Rwanda, saying his main concern was Zambia.

"I watched the Rwanda’s qualifier against Algeria on video and at the Cecafa (Council of East and Central Africa Football Association) but I don’t know if that was the full team.

"But I have to be concerned about ourselves”

"I don’t want to talk about others…all the teams in the group have a chance. We want to top the group. The players are prepared.” Renard added.

Zambia, together with Algeria, Egypt and Rwanda, are in Group C. The quarter could only manage a point each after drawing their opening games.

Rwanda was held to a goalless home draw against Algeria while Zambia settled for 1-all draw with Egypt in Cairo.

Africa champions, Egypt will rekindle their rivalry with old foes, Algeria in Blida tomorrow.

Only the top placed teams in each of the five groups qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa while the top three finishers qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Ends