Goalkeeper coach Eugene Tchatchoua Sakam has urged Zambia to approach both of their Group I Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers against Algeria and Togo with equal seriousness, warning that the Togolese side could prove particularly difficult.
Zambia will travel to Algeria on September 25 before hosting Togo on September 29 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Tchatchoua, a CAF, UEFA and FIFA-trained goalkeeper coach who has also worked with the Cameroon U20 and U23 national teams and is currently a goalkeeper trainer at Nchanga Rangers, believes Zambia should not focus all their attention on the high-profile clash against Algeria.
“People are concentrating and putting energy on the Algeria game. Yes, it is a very tough game, but with good organisation, discipline, commitment, determination and hard work we can beat them.”
Speaking to BolaNews, Tchatchoua called for careful planning ahead of the two qualifiers.
“My concern is as we prepare for the AFCON qualifications, let’s plan very well and be very wise,” Tchatchoua said.
Togo a big challenge
Tchatchoua believes the encounter against Togo could present an equally demanding challenge and has warned Zambia against underestimating their opponents.
“But the Togo game, for my observation, will be a very, very difficult game. Let’s not minimise them or say they are not a football nation. No, no and no. If we are not careful, they can surprise us.”
Tchatchoua said the quality of Togo’s squad, particularly the number of players featuring in Europe’s top leagues, should command Zambia’s respect.
“Most of the Togolese players are playing in Europe in the top five football countries, and they are young, competitive, energetic and very good tactically and physically, with a very experienced coach.”
He has therefore called on Zambia to prepare for both matches with the same level of commitment.
“Please let’s prepare the two games with the same commitment. Yes, I know we also have quality players who can deliver, but we need to take the two games very seriously.”
Tchatchoua also believes goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene faced a difficult task in selecting Zambia’s final four goalkeepers because of the depth available in the country.
He has urged supporters to back the selected quartet of Lawrence Mulenga, Victor Chabu, Willard Mwanza and Luka Mainza.
“I imagine it was not easy for our goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene to come out with the final four goalkeepers selected to represent our nation because we have many good goalkeepers in Zambia currently,” he said.
