Chipolopolo host Guinea-Bissau in must win clash

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Oct 10, 2018. 09:07

Zambia welcome Guinea-Bissau to the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Wednesday afternoon in what is a must-win clash for the hosts as they set their sights on 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

Kick-off is at 17h30 CAT (SA, GMT+2).

Chipolopolo head into the clash in third spot in Group K, having accumulated one point from their opening two matches.

The 2012 Afcon champions suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Mozambique, before Justin Shonga's last minute goal earned them a point away to Namibia last time out.

Zambia have been far from convincing thus far and head coach Sven Vandenbroeck is under no illusion of the pressure facing him and his troops heading into back-to-back qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau.

“The two games against Guinea [Bissau] is for us is crucial. I think we don’t have to lie about it. It’s all or nothing” he said.

“A coach is always under pressure to deliver in every game but I don’t feel the pressure but I know the team and I are under pressure. How are we going to approach the game? I have some ideas on my mind.

Djurtus currently top the group with a 1-0 win over Namibia in Bissau followed by a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Mozambique in Maputo last month.

You don't have to go too far back for the most recent meeting between the two nations, with Toni Silva having scored a 90th minute goal in a 3-2 win over Zambia for Guinea-Bissau on their way to reaching the 2017 Afcon in Gabon.