Zambia Vs Algeria
National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka
15:00hrs
02.09. 2017
Angolan Helder Martin de Carvalho will be the man at the centre of the pitch on the afternoon of 2nd September 2017 at the famed National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka as Zambia play host to the visiting Algeria nation team in the Russia2018 World Cup qualifiers.
It is a setting that could see a few of the sensational Under20 youngsters who made monumental names for themselves and endeared themselves to a legion of Zambian football fans with their breathtaking performances on the road to claim the coveted first ever junior Afcon trophy. It would overly wonderful to see Zambian mentor Wedson “Wada Wada” Nyirenda throw one or more of these youngsters into the deep end of things for these lovable boys.
As Chipolopolo will be on the dance with the visting Desert Foxes, group leaders Super Eagles of Nigeria will be welcoming the Indomitable Lions the current African Champions. This particular is pencilled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria.
The Super eagles sitting nicely on six points after two wins could be counting nine points with a third win against Cameroon. Though not a stroll in the park. These teams have been fighting these battles for years against each other. Its not just about the points in this but bragging neighbourly rights too.
With a Super Eagles win, it will leave Zambia needing to win the remaining games with Nigeria losing the rest an amazing ask that will require some miracles to happen considering the strength of Nigeria.
This is a daunting task for Zambia as they look to revive their remote chance of being Russia in 2018.
Zambia is third in the group on one point same with Algeria who occupies the bottom spot owing to their inferior goal difference!
After this encounter, Zambia does a reverse trip to Algeria for a return match in five days time. And will then wait until 7th October when they travel to Nigeria to take on the Super Eagles on their fifth round of games.
The last encounter will be in Zambia against Cameroon on 6th November 2017 by which time it is likely that Zambia will be playing dead rubbers. Instead playing to be on grand football showpiece. ..it will be about improving their rankings on the Fifa scale.
Apart from improving the ranking Zambia could use the remainder of the matches as formidable preparations for future assignments as they will still be engaging teams fighting to go to Russia. A very good way to prepare and any association and coach would embrace that opportunity.
The bottom line of the group trickles down to the fact that Nigeria stands tall as favourite to go to Russia. As long as the super eagles keep getting points, there is nothing Zambia, Nigeria and Cameroon can do to bring the Russia destined eagles to a forced perching, they will perch in Rissia. The bullets must stop misfiring, the lions must do more than being called king of the jungle and the foxes have to double the power od their bite if the high flying eagle is to be brought down.
For Zambia, the slow start will be a factor and that give away loss to Nigeria at Heroes now looks like it was a key nail in the coffin. The first assignment of Wedson already looks to be in tatters but surely there will be learning points!!!
Next project please.
Who wins it
Zambia looks to be a new team and Algeria have played together for some time, Algeria are definatley favourite in this encounter
Prediction: Zambia 1-2 Algeria
