. Liwewe

By Ndinawe Simpelwe –
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia general secretary Ponga Liwewe has described the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying draws as tough for Chipolopolo but that qualification is still possible.
Zambia was handed a horror draw in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after being drawn in the group of death together with Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria in Group B.
Reacting to the draws Liwewe admitted that the group was tough and only concerted effort with good preparations will qualify Chipolopolo to the tournament.
He said all the teams in the group have been to the world cup and would be tough opponents.
“It will take concerted effort to qualify but if we approach the matches with a well prepared team, play to the best of our ability and keep focused, we can qualify,” Liwewe said.
Chipolopolo will have to face Western and Northern African opposition once more as they seek a maiden appearance at the World Cup.
In the last edition Zambia blew away the chance to qualify after despite being awarded three points from a disputed game against Sudan in a group where Ghana emerged winners.
While Zambia is seeking a first appearance World biggest soccer showpiece, Nigeria has made four appearances, Cameroon have taken part in the tournament seven times while Algeria have been there four times.
The qualifiers are scheduled to kick off on October 3 across Africa.
Meanwhile African champions Ivory Coast will face Morocco, coached by their former coach Hervé Renard in Group C alongside Mali and Gabon which will also prove to be a tough group.
Group A has Tunisia, Libya, Congo DR and Guinea while the only other COSAFA representative South Africa is in a relatively easy group in D with Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.
Group E comprises Ghana, Egypt, Congo Brazzaville and Uganda.