AFTER dropping out of the main competition, the Chipolopolo today have a chance to redeem themselves when they face Ghana in the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Senior Challenge Cup plate category semi-final at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Both teams were booted out in the quarter-finals with defending champions Zambia losing 4-5 on penalties to Namibia while Ghana were humbled 1-2 by Madagascar.
Hosts South Africa tackle Malawi in the other semi-final clash.
Encounters between Zambia and Ghana at any level have never been easy although the West Africans boast of a superior head to head record.
From the 11 times the sides have met since 1964, Zambia have won four while the Black Stars have triumphed on seven occasions.
Ghana’s first victory was during the Independence tournament on October 25, 1964 while the most recent victory was during the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifiers in Kumasi.
During the race to the tournament in Brazil, Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 in Ndola but the Black Stars won 2-1 at home.
Ghana have won the Africa Cup four times while Zambia lifted the trophy in 2012.
On the way to conquering Africa, Zambia beat Ghana 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Today’s match will be a nail-biting encounter as both teams are wounded after losing to minnows.
“It will be a tough game. We cannot over-rule the fact that there is rivalry between Ghana and Zambia. We are both wounded and looking for consolation. We got in to the competition with the aim of defending our title but it was unfortunate that we didn’t go beyond the quarter-final. We missed our opportunity but we have to bank on what’s left,” said Chipolopolo coach Honour Janza.
Janza said victory will boost his team’s morale.
“The early exit was a setback but we are banking on our comeback. A win will bring back our morale. The players have been prepared psychologically so that we can stand firm,” he said.
The Chipolopolo, however, will be without Justin Zulu, while striker Jimmy Ndhlovu is doubtful.
Zulu who picked an ankle injury during the match against Namibia, sat out of training the past two days and Janza hopes that Ndhlovu would recover.
With Zulu out, Paul Katema of Red Arrows will operate behind strikers Bornwell Mwape and Patson Daka. Mukuka Mulenga, who had a cracking match on the left flank against Namibia, could pose a threat to the West Africans while Allan Mukuka will be supplying crosses from the right wing.
Kondwani Mtonga will play ahead of the defenders while Donashano Malama, Emmanuel Mbola, Christopher Munthali and Aaron Katebe will shield goalkeeper and skipper Kennedy Mweene.
Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu expects a tough encounter, especially that both teams are coming from defeats.
“It will be an interesting match knowing the pedigree both teams have but we have no choice but to come out strong . We will try to come back strong and win against Zambia but I know it will not be easy. Zambia is a very strong side,” Konadu said.
He will be banking on Hans and Joshua Tijani for goals while Godfrey Saka and Malik Akowuah will keep Zambian strikers at bay with Nathaniel Asamoah expected to control the midfield.
The match will kick off at 17:00 hours.