EAGLES VS CHIPOLOPOLO: It’s not over — Renard

As Nigeria and Zambia go to war today in their second Group C match inside the Mhobela Stadium in Nelspruit, Chipolopolo coach, Herve Renard says it’s not yet over for the defending champions, who he said must bounce back with a win over the Eagles

The lackluster Zambia side were held to a draw by a more enterprising Ethiopia who were tactically superior to the their more illustrious opponents throughout the match.

Keshi and Renard

Speaking at the post-match conference, Renard, while  praying that Zambian supporters would not stop supporting the Chipolopolo who were far from being impressive in the match against the Walya Antelopes, said that he was confident of topping the group.

”The people of Zambia should continue to support us. We are going to reach the quarter finals. The performance of today is my responsibility as coach. I saw the team in the first half didn’t play well and we didn’t play like we were ready for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We must play better in our next match against Nigeria and I remain positive that we would emerge victorious. We have learnt from our mistakes and our target of reaching the quarterfinal as the first team is still possible”, said the Frenchman.

Renard, who admitted that Ethiopia were a better side, said the Zambians were only saved from embarrassment by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

”I am not surprised that they (Ethiopia) played the way they did. I said before the tournament that we need to be careful with other teams because everyone is out to get the AfCON trophy.”