Zambia’s soccer authority boss, Kalusha Bwalya says beating Nigeria will be a bonus for his team since their initial target was qualifying for the second round of the 2010 Nations Cup in a group he regarded as the toughest.
The former Zambia team captain is happy that they did not only qualify for the quarter-finals, but came out the best team in a group that comprises of Cameroun, Tunisia and Gabon.
“We came here with a second round ambition and I am happy that we have achieved that and creditably too, in a tough group that included Cameoun, Gabon and Tunisia. Any other thing will be a bonus that is why we will be more relaxed than Nigeria. Yes we are going in as under dogs and this does not bother us,” said Kalusha.
He continued: “….Any team that has qualified to get to this position should be respected. Nigeria is a great team. When they beat us in 1994, they went on to win the Olympics and represented Africa well at the world cup. But they will underrate us at their peril.
The 1988 African Player of the year is however regretting the absence of two of their players, who will not play on Monday: “….There is no doubt that we will miss him. He has been an important part of team Zambia and was man of the match against Tunisia. We will miss him as an individual but we will just have to find a way of replacing him.
“We will also miss the defensive services of Chintu Kampamba who is also suspended but I can assure you that whosoever is picked will give his all,” Kalusha said
He believes the present squad is more motivated than the 1994 team that lost in Tunisia to Nigeria, hence he is hoping for an upset.
“Yes, 1994 comes to mind, but I see this team better, collectively than the 1994 Team. Do not forget that then, we were just recovering from a major disaster and the boys who were brought together created a miracle, more or less”