AFCON U-20 - All the pressure on Zambia - Senong
Amajita head coach Thabo Senong is adamant that his charges are still the rank underdogs in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-20 semi-finals.
The SA Under-20 side face
tournament hosts Zambia in a massive clash at the National Heroes Stadium in
Lusaka on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 18h00.
According to the statistics provided by SAFA, this will be the third encounter between the two southern African nations in the past four months.
Junior Chipolopolo won the last two encounters and Amajita will be looking to reverse those results and advance to the final.
By making it through the group stage and winning a place in the semi-finals, Amajita have also booked a place in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea later this year.
"Zambia beat us in the COSAFA Cup final, and again in the international friendly match that we played before the start of this tournament. But those matches will count for nothing as they are all in the past," Senong told SAFA.net
"I believe it is going to be one entertaining clash and the team that wants it more will come out victorious," added Senong.
Senong is also excited by the prospect that nobody is giving his side a chance, lessening the pressure as they head into the match.
"Things will be different though for Zambia - as hosts, there is no doubt that they will be under immense pressure to continue doing well."
"They have won all their matches in the tournament so far and their fans will be out in numbers to show support, and they will expect positive results."
For now, Amajita will be hoping to sustain the form and momentum generated in their 3-1 victory over Sudan in their final group clash.
Senegal, who defeated South Africa in earlier group action, will face Guinea in the other semi-final on Thursday.
The final is scheduled for the Heroes National Stadium on Sunday. Kick-off is at 17h30.
There will be a 3rd/4th place playoff match earlier (14h00) at the same venue.
It is often said that finishing third or a draw is 'like kissing your sister'.
Hopefully there won’t be any smooching involving Amajita.