International Football
Zambian Coach, Nyirenda Unleashes Algerian Conquerors on Super Eagles
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Coach of Zambia’s Chipolopolo, Wedson Nyirenda this Friday released his final squad for next weekend’s pick of the pack World Cup qualifying duel with Nigeria. He has decided to maintain the common sports’ maxim: “you don’t change a winning team”.
Sports Village Square has gathered from Zambian sources that the coach has decided to faith in the bulk of the squad which did a double win over Algeria. He also recalled the Russia-based winger Fashion Sakala after he served his one match suspension.
Also in the Zambian squad that will be heading to Ghana on Sunday on training camp is Sweden- based youngster, Edward Chilufya. The Zambian side will be facing Nigeria in Uyo next week Saturday in a duel that means so much for both teams.
A win for Nigeria ends Zambians’ dreams for a place in 2018 World Cup as Nigeria will be through.
But if the reverse is the case, the Group B battle will be going down the wire till the last match day in November where Nigeria will be playing away to eliminated Algeria while Zambia will be at home to the Cameroonians who are also already eliminated may not bother to spend money inviting their foreign-based stars.
Nigeria leads Group B on 10 points while Zambia is second on seven points with Cameroun in a distant third on three points while Algeria lies rock bottom on a point. If Nigeria wins the duel, the Super Eagles will attain an unassailable 13 point haul.
A loss may still keep the team afloat in the table as Zambia will only be at par on points, but Nigeria may have a better goal difference except the loss is scandalous.
A draw will mean that both will fight doggedly in their respective last day match against the eliminated teams. While in that scenario, Nigeria will require a draw with Algeria while Zambia will need a win with high score line against Cameroon.
In contrast to the Nigerian squad, home boys dominated the Zambian team. The domestic league has 12 players. Four of the players are based in South Africa while the rest seven play in European clubs in Russia, Belgium, Turkey and Sweden.
ZAMBIA’S FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns-RSA), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos)
DEFENDERS
Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stoppilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula -Russia), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS
Chisamba Lungu (Allanyespor-Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgårdens-Sweden), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila (both Zesco United), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Enock Mwepu (FC Liefering, Austria), Emmanuel Banda (K.V Oostende, Belgium), Roderick Kabwe (Cape Town Ajax, RSA), Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco)
STRIKERS
Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow II, Russia), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars, RSA), Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg-Austria)
Well-travelled Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has been named as Guinea’s new coach, less than a month before their next round of World Cup qualifiers.
Duarte, 56, has twice previously coached Burkina Faso and taken charge of Gabon and Togo, while also coaching at clubs in Portugal, France, Tunisia, Angola and Saudi Arabia.
Guinea’s football federation gave no contract details when they made the announcement on Monday, but said they would be looking for Duarte to “restructure their national team”.
Guinea trail leaders Algeria by eight points in their World Cup qualifying group with four games remaining, leaving them with only a slim chance of qualification.
They play Somalia away on September 5 and then Algeria at home on September 8 in their next two qualifiers although a stadium ban means Guinea have moved their home game to Casablanca, Morocco.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Veteran coach Louis van Gaal says he has been cured of cancer and is keen for a return to the higher levels of the game.
The 73-year-old announced three years ago that he was suffering from prostate cancer, but told a Dutch television talk show, “I’m no longer bothered by cancer.”
When he announced his illness, Van Gaal was the coach of the Dutch national team, but he has not worked since the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
“Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then. But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter,” he said.
Van Gaal, whose career has included stints at Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, reiterated a lack of interest in returning to club management but said becoming the national coach of a top-tier country could tempt him back.
He now serves as a special advisor to Ajax.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
In a compelling twist of football destiny, Davide Ancelotti is stepping into his own spotlight as he begins his first head coaching role at Brazilian club Botafogo—just months after parting ways with his legendary father, Carlo Ancelotti, at Real Madrid.
The 35-year-old has been appointed as Botafogo’s new manager, the club announced on Tuesday, following the sacking of Renato Paiva. Davide, who has spent the last decade working alongside his father at some of Europe’s top clubs—including Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid—has signed a one-year deal with the Rio-based team.
This marks a significant milestone for the younger Ancelotti, whose career has long been shaped by his father’s influence, but who now faces the challenge of carving his own identity on the touchline.
The move comes shortly after both father and son departed Real Madrid at the end of last season, with Carlo taking over the Brazilian national team. Now, in a poetic alignment, father and son find themselves on different paths within Brazilian football—one leading the Seleção, the other steering the fortunes of a storied domestic club.
Botafogo’s decision to appoint Davide follows a controversial parting with Paiva, who was dismissed just days after their exit from the Club World Cup. Though he oversaw a stunning win over Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, a 1-0 extra-time loss to Palmeiras in the round of 16 proved to be his final act after just four months in charge.
As Davide Ancelotti begins this new chapter, all eyes will be on whether the son of one of football’s most decorated managers can step out from his father’s shadow—and perhaps, in time, build a legacy of his own.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers