Sudan coach Zdravko Logarusic has declared readiness to take on Zambia in the Chan 2018 quarterfinals “today or now.”
The second fixture of the round of eight is scheduled for Saturday at Grand Stade Marrakech, Morocco.
Sudan are the only East Africans to make it out of the groups phase after Uganda and Rwanda were eliminated but the Croat feels they are being taken lightly.
“Sudan has surprised a lot of people in this competition. Before the start, we were the lowest ranked team and nobody gave us a chance.
“Despite reaching the quarterfinals, many others are still not taking us serious. We are ready to face Zambia even today or now,” the former Asante Kotoko and Gor Mahia manager said ahead of the match awaited duel.
On the road to the quarterfinals, the Falcons of Jediane edged Guinea and Mauritania 2-1 and 1-0 respectively in their first two matches before holding fancied hosts Morocco to a barren draw in their final outing to finish runners-up in group ‘A’.
It is the same resilience they showed against Morocco before the home crowd that Logarusic wants replicated against Zambia, who have also been labeled favorites.
“We are not under pressure and will do the talking on the pitch. I’m optimistic that the players will give 150 percent and won’t disappoint the Sudanese people,” the 56-year-old said.
Sudan skipper Mohamed Taher echoed his boss’s sentiments.
“We have surprised most of the teams with our tactics and it will be no different against Zambia. We are hoping to start with an attacking spirit and the players are poised to win and advance to the semifinals.
“We will do everything possible within our right to win the game,” Taher added.
Zambia were bullish in their opening two fixtures – thumping Uganda 3-1 before beating Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 to sail to the quarterfinals.
However, Namibia slowed them in their final group ‘B’ tie – managing to pin them to a 1-1 draw despite finishing as group’s winners.
Logarusic is well alive to this threat but is confident in his gelling side to continue to deliver.
“Zambia is one of the best teams at the tournament, and one of the four teams tipped as favorites. They are organized and play together as a team. Most players are from two clubs (Zesco United and Zanaco) and they have the perfect mix.
“I’m just five weeks into the Sudan job and I’m still learning and trying to gel. I’m not a magician but I can see that we are on the right path,” he added.
Zambia assistant coach Aggrey Chiyangi wants his charges to toughen up both physically and mentally as the tournament progresses.
Despite being tagged favorites, Chiyangi holds that the Sudanese will not be pushovers and they will have to work hard to progress to semis.
“As the tournament advances, the game become tougher and we have to encourage the players to be stronger and stronger.
“They have to adjust and get stronger in the mind. Physically, the player are fit and we have to work on their mental strength,” he said.
Zambian striker Augustine Mulenga expressed readiness to take on Sudan – stressing that they will be out to punish the Sudanese’s weaknesses.
“As players we are ready for the game against Sudan. We have done our homework and have an idea how the Sudanese play.
“We know their weaknesses and hope to capitalize on that to emerge victorious,” the Zesco player said.
Saturday quarterfinals fixtures;
Morocco vs Namibia – 16:30 CAT
Zambia vs Sudan – 19:30 CAT
