On Wednesday 11th November (today) Zambia’s Chipolopolo will play the Nile Crocodiles of Sudan in Russia 2018 qualifier.The Nile Crocodiles are no easy target for the Copper Bullets.Memories are fresh in many Zambian Soccer fans heads when Sudan scored shortly after Zambia’s goal to hold them 1 all.This meant the game against Ghana in Kumasi was a must win and which Zambia lost 2-1.

If Zambia are to get any results from this fixture certain players have to click into gear and Captain Kalaba is at top on the list.As the saying goes when Kalaba plays well Zambia plays well.Rainford Kalaba’s creativity helps his TP Mazembe side win Caf Champions league and his contribution to this match will be vital .

Goals are what wins games and their is no Zambian Striker in the last ten years that can boost of scoring more goals for the Copper Bullets than Collins Mbesuma .Nicknamed King David,Mbesuma as an eye for goal next to non.If Mbesuma is on fire then Zambia’s chances of winning this game are high.

Winston ”Mr Zambia” Kalengo is Mbesuma’s partner in the Zambian strike force and as far as goals are concerned Kalengo is another dangerous man on goal.When this partnership ticks Zambia will be in full gear.

Sudan is no push over and Zambia knows that .If they have to come out with a result from Karima they have to be very cautious and play their cards right.
Sudan are very dangerous on aerial balls and Set pieces .

Zambia’s wings are the weak link and if the coach has a bit of work to do ,it is is the co-ordination between the wingers and the wingbacks.Their is little on no co-ordination hence Zambia gets easily exposed on the wings. The Issue of two defensive midfielders that Zambia has been using of late can help to get a result in this situation .

Sudan have moved the game from the original stadium were it was suppose to be held in khatoum to Marewa.The fans of Chipolopolo are saying Sudan are playing mind games .The state of the pitch is not that well but the Football Association of Zambia maintains the boys only worry is playing their hearts out and getting the best possible result.

The second leg will be played on Sunday at levy mwanawasa stadium and who soever comes out victorious over the two legs qualifiers to the next round of qualifiers.

SUDAN v ZAMBIA!
Date:Wednesday 11th November,2015!
Kick-off:19:00hrs!
Venue:Marewa Stadium!
Channels:Supersport & ZNBC TV1.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:
In 20 past meetings,Zambia(11 wins),Sudan (6 wins);and (3 draws). 15/11/15 Zambia v Sudan(World Cup Qualifier).

11/11/15 Sudan v Zambia(World Cup qualifier).

31/08/14 Zambia 3-1 Sudan(Friendly).
10/12/13 Zambia 1-1(1-2aet) Sudan(Cecafa semi-finals).
15/06/13 Zambia 1-1 Sudan(’14World Cup Q.).
02/06/12 Sudan 2-0*(0-3 Sudan field uneligible player) Zambia(’14World Cup Q.).
04/02/12 Zambia 3-0 Sudan(’12Afcon Quater Finals).
08/01/09 Zambia 0-2 Sudan(Friendly).
22/01/08 Zambia 3-0 Sudan(’08Afcon Group stage).
11/12/06 Zambia 0-0(11-10 pen)Sudan (Cecafa).
25/05/04 Sudan 0-2 Zambia(Friendly).
21/06/03 Zambia 1-1 Sudan(’04Afcon Qualifier).
08/09/02 Sudan 0-1 Zambia(’04Afcon Qualifier).
16/06/96 Zambia 3-0 Sudan(’98World Cup Q).
01/06/96 Sudan 2-0 Zambia(’98World Cup Q).
05/12/91 Sudan 2-3 Zambia(Cecafa).
24/04/83 Zambia 0-0 Sudan(’84Afcon Qualifier).
10/04/83 Sudan 2-1 Zambia(’84Afcon Qualifier).
21/11/81 Zambia 2-0 Sudan(Cecafa).
26/11/80 Sudan 2-1 Zambia(Cecafa).
08/11/68 Sudan 4-2 Zambia(World Cup Q).27/10/68 Zambia 4-2 Sudan(World Cup Q).

Mubanga Aaron

Freelance Football Writer |Freelance sports presenter TV & Radio|Sports Analyst|Social media manager|mubajnrabntv@gmail.com