The Chipolopolo kicked off their qualification campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Algeria in Group I clash with captain Fashion Sakala scoring the only goal.
Zambia will face a Togo side, who launched their campaign with a 1-0 win against Burundi. Speaking ahead of the game, Lwandamina has confidently said losing one game does to end Zambia’s run in the qualification race.
Zambia do have a chance
“Having three points does not warrant that they (Togo) will come and collect three points again. We have to do our homework and we are playing at home. I am sure the boys will rise to the occasion,” Lwandamina told reporters as quoted by FAZ Media.
“We do have a chance, we have just played one game, every game is vital.”
After the Algeria defeat Lwandamina insisted Zambia are ready to make amends against Togo.
“All games are important and we are aware that we are coming from a loss and we have this opportunity to redeem ourselves and the boys are ready for that challenge,” added Lwandamina.
“The defensive system does not remove everyone on the pitch. Everyone becomes a defender when you do not have the ball. I know you are driving into condemning the defensive line. That is not the only defence you have it is everyone.”
Zambia ready to fight
On his part, Sakala said: “The team is ready; we are ready to fight in the game. the confidence and the motivation that we have in the team. We understand we lost against Algeria that was the way game and they had their fans at home.
“If we want to qualify, we have to win this game. we will definitely win no doubt about it we will try to give the best. Everyone will see a very different game. I am very confident about that.”
Sakala added: “It is a very important game because we are playing at home with fans behind us. I know that definitely the stadium will be full. Zambian people have never disappointed us when it comes to support.”
On the criticism directed at him, Sakala responded: “Criticism on me as an individual, I don’t really pay attention to that.
“I think I have been playing football for many years; I am going in my 13th year at this level that should show that it has been a lot of hard work and commitment behind the scenes.
“I think people will criticise me but they should also see how long I have been in the game. I have tried my best I do not like to talk about myself; I prefer to talk about the team but since this question is about me, I will answer it.”
Sakala concluded: “It has built me; it has given me courage and confidence to work hard for each and every game.
To be honest I am very proud of myself looking at where I am coming from to be where I am it shows that I have really worked very hard.”
In the group’s other fixture, Algeria, who are leading the log, will face Burundi away.
