George Lwandamina is upbeat about Zambia’s prospects in the Russia 2018 qualifiers despite Chipolopolo’s tight record against opponents Sudan in World Cup meetings.

Zambia face Sudan over two legs next week in a second round qualifier for a place in the group stage phase.

Chipolopolo edge Sudan in World Cup qualifying encounters with three wins and a draw from six meetings since 1968.

“Every game comes with its own situation and its own challenges,” the Zambia coach said.

“We can’t rely on past experience, we just have to work hard.”

“The players know the importance of this game and that is motivation enough for them, they know the objective.”

Zambia will face Sudan away in the first leg on November 11 in Khartoum.

The final leg is scheduled for November 15 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to decide who goes through to the group stage qualifiers.

This is the second successive time that the two sides will meet in a World Cup qualifier since the race to Brazil 2014 in which Zambia were awarded 3 points after an away defeat to Sudan who fielded a suspended player in the first leg before drawing 1-1.

Meanwhile, a 24-member Zambia team comprising of home-based players entered camp in Lusaka on Monday to begin preparations for the trip to Khartoum.

Lwandamina has yet to name his foreign-based list for the qualifiers.

Additional reporting by Supersport