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)
International Football
Two Moroccan football players lost at sea, says club official
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abdellatif-Akhrif.png)
Two Moroccan players from top-flight soccer side Ittihad Tanger have been missing at sea since Saturday after strong currents drifted their small yacht, a club official said on Sunday.
They were in a group of five players from the club who went cruising off the northern city of Tangier when strong currents and heavy winds drifted their yacht away as they were swimming in deep waters, club deputy president Anass Mrabet told Reuters.
“Three players have already been rescued on Saturday, while research is still ongoing for the missing Salman Harraq and Abdellatif Akhrif,” he said.
The players did not have buoys on them when they jumped from the small yacht to swim, he said citing recounts by rescued players.
While Akhrif, 24, is already a full member of the squad, Harraq, 18, was about to move up to the senior team this year, Mrabet added.
Ittihad Tanger have been in the Moroccan top flight since 2015 and won the league title for the first and only time in their history in the 2017-18 season. However, they have struggled in the lower half of the standings in recent years.
-Reuters
International Football
FIFA launches ‘Football Manager’ World Cup with $100,000 in prize money
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/arsene-wenger.jpg)
FIFA will host its first ever FIFAe World Cup of Football Manager this year to crown the best virtual manager on the highly-popular video game, world soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.
FIFA is partnering with Sports Interactive, the developers of the game that has sold millions of copies and has also been used by several football clubs to scout players and opponents thanks to its extensive database.
Players will compete for $100,000 in prize money in the final event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
“This competition requires participants to demonstrate a profound understanding of football strategy and tactics,” said former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is the ambassador for the esports event.
“Success demands not only mastery of game mechanics but also in-depth football knowledge, making this format a fascinating blend.”
FIFA said in the inaugural year of the event, selected member associations will be invited to be represented at the final event.
Member associations from all six confederations are expected to be invited while players can sign up on FIFA’s website.
-Reuters
International Football
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio robbed at gunpoint
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/baggio.jpg)
Former Italy international Roberto Baggio was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint at his home in northern Italy while watching his country’s match against Spain in the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, local police said.
Burglars broke into Baggio’s house near Vicenza, hit him on the head with a gun butt and locked him and his family in a room while they stole jewellery, watches and cash, daily Il Corriere della Sera reported. It said he suffered a deep wound.
“Luckily, the violence I suffered only resulted in a few stitches, bruises and a lot of fear. Now it is to overcome the fear,” Baggio was quoted as saying by Italian news agency ANSA.
Baggio, 57, played for clubs including Juventus (JUVE.MI), opens new tab, AC Milan and Inter Milan. He also played 56 times for Italy, scoring 27 goals, and is widely seen as one of his country’s all-time greats.
After the robbery, Baggio, widely known as the “divine ponytail”, was treated at a local hospital where he received stitches for the head wound, Italian media reported.
Italy lost to Spain 1-0 on Thursday and now must avoid defeat by Croatia to guarantee progression in the tournament.
-Reuters
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