Zambia Not Affected In Any Way By Dropping Katongo -Chissano

MOZAMBIQUE coach Joao Chissano says Chipolopolo is still strong despite being without captain Christopher Katongo and striker Jacob Mulenga for the return leg of the 2015 Africa Cup qualifiers.
In an interview, Chissano said Zambia did not depend on one player but was a strong unit which would give his side a tough game when the teams clash in Maputo on November 14.
“Zambia is not affected in any way by the dropping of Katongo. They have a lot of good players and I’m sure the coach has picked the best. For us, we are not looking at any player. We are concentrating on Zambia as a team,” Chissano said. Chipolopolo coach Honour Janza has dropped veterans Katongo and Mulenga for the remaining two AfCON Group F games, opting for younger players. Chissano said the recent death of president Michael Sata had made the clash even tougher as Zambia would want to win in memory of the head of state. “We send our condolences to the Zambian people. But this means Zambia will play to honour the late president.
We expect a tough game. They have professional players and the funeral will not affect them in any way,” he said. Chissano further noted that both teams would play under pressure as they fight for second position, which they share with five points each.
The two teams played to a goalless draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on September 6. Group leaders Cape Verde have already qualified to next year’s tournament.