A lot of Zambians are still recovering from the painful 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Uyo.
The Chipolopolo put up a Galant fight against the Super Eagles of Nigeria and were unlucky to have a genuine goal wrongly ruled for offside.
Despite the loss, Zambia can pick a lot of positives from the campaign in the group stages.
Having being pitted against the likes of Cameroon and Algeria, it was no mean feat for Zambia to be considered as the one of the two remaining teams contending for a World Cup spot.
One can only say that future is bright for Wedson Nyirenda’s boys and there is no shame to lose out on a World Cup spot to a super power like Nigeria filled with seasoned world class footballers playing for top class teams in Europe’s most elite leagues.
It should serve as a learning curve for Zambia and it wouldn’t hurt to ask the Super Eagles what their secret is.
How is it that most Nigerians end up playing in top leagues while Zambians don’t?
For the likes of Augustine Mulenga, Ziyo Tembo, Fackson Kapumbu, Simon Silwimba and Kondwani Mtonga who feature in the local Zambian League, an element of pride comes into play.
It clearly indicates that the Zambian Super League is littered with numerous talent.
The blend of young players like Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka gives confidence and security that the future of Zambian football is in safe hands.
Many are assured of quality and European Giants looking to sign players in the winter transfer window will not regret sending scouts to Zambia.
What lies ahead for Zambia? Well, the foundation has been laid and focus shifts to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Wada must continue to look for goal scorers in the local league . Without Brian Mwila and Patson Daka Zambia look toothless in front of goal against Nigeria.
The technical bench need to continue fusing in fresh talent. The Zambian League is still on and more players can still be assessed.
The Football Association of Zambia must also empower it’s coaches to scour across Europe for Zambian born players across Europe.
Zambia has it’s share of players in Europe born in Europe but of Zambia descent.
The likes of Charly Musonda Jr should be given a call up as soon as possible.
Nigeria have done that perfectly with the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Alex Iwobi.
In addition to that, Nyirenda and his technical team must go back to the basics and continue Identifying talent at the grassroots.
Lastly, with the country hosting the 2017 U-20 COSAFA Youth Championship, we expect to see Beston Chambeshi work with Wedson Nyirenda in assembling a formidable side to defend the crown on home soil.
