‘PLAY TO WIN’

By MICHAEL MIYOBAZAMBIA must not underrate Botswana when the two teams clash in the 2022 AFCO qualifiers return leg fixture at Francis Town tomorrow, the Zambia National Sports Fans Association has warnedChipolopolo play Botswana tomorrow knowing that a win will increase their chances of qualifying for the AFCON while a negative result may end Zambia’s dreams of competing at the prestigious continental competition.In an interview, ZASPOFA patron Peter Makembo said the Chipolopolo, coached by Serbian Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, must not undermine Botswana and focus on collecting maximum points to qualify for the AFCON.Makembo said Zambia will need nothing but the maximum three points to have a chance of finishing second in Group-H dominated by Algeria who are unbeaten with nine points.He said there is need for the team to improve on scoring goals after missing a lot of chances in the 2-1 win against Botswana on Thursday in Lusaka.Makembo said it is possible to beat Botswana home and away if the players can show some levels of commitment and hard work to deliver a win.He said millions of Zambians, including President Edgar Lungu will be praying for the team to deliver another win with the government having promised each player US$10, 000 if they beat Botswana home and away.“Beating Botswana on Thursday motivated the players to believe in themselves. They know that we can win away from home but it will be a grave mistake to underrate Botswana because they are also fighting for what we are fighting for which is to qualify for the AFCON.“They showed that they can be dangerous when they scored first on Thursday. They may be bottom in the group with one point but if they can win the remaining three games then they will be able to qualify also,” Makembo said.Makembo hailed the government for chattering a plane for the Chipolopolo for their African Cup of Nations return qualifier in Botswana.The Chipolopolo arrived in Botswana yesterday for tomorrow’s return leg at Francis Town Sports Complex.Makembo said it would have been unfair to let the players travel by road after Botswanna halted flights into the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.After their win over Botswana on Thursday, the Chipolopolo moved to third in Group-H with three points, one point behind second-placed Zimbabwe who will be facing Algeria tomorrow.Only two teams from the group will qualify for the tournament slated for Cameroon.