Zambia faces a challenging journey as they confront Ghana in the decisive last day of qualifying for the Brazilian World Cup. The Group D clash between the Black Stars and the Chipolopolos is set to take place this Friday, September 6, in Kumasi.
As tension escalates between the two teams, Zambia is compelled to achieve a significant feat to prolong their journey toward Brazil. The Chipolopolo’s situation appears less comfortable, with the Black Stars being the favorites for this match. This is attributed to their formidable squad, recently reinforced by the return of key players such as Prince Boateng and André Ayew.
Hervé Renard, the coach of the 2012 African champions, faces the risk of compromising his chances to continue leading the Chipolopolos if they face a setback this Friday. The fate of the French technician at the helm of Zambia could be determined at the end of this crucial meeting.
Renard acknowledges the potential impact on his future, stating, “I have a contract until July 2014, which I extended after our victory at CAN 2012 with the objective of reaching Brazil. If we defeat Ghana, the question of my future will arise later.” He emphasizes that discussions about his continuation will take place after the match, expressing his willingness to speak with Kalusha Bwalya, the president of the federation.
The coach remains committed to Zambia, citing his passion for the game over financial considerations. Renard appreciates the freedom he has in making choices, discovering local players for potential selection. He reflects on the challenges of coaching in Africa, stating, “Zambia is far away, and generally speaking, when you coach in Africa, you tend to be forgotten. So, imagine in English-speaking Africa…”
In the current standings, the Black Stars lead Group D with 12 points, closely followed by Zambia with 11 points.
