‘Zambia can shock Ghana’

LESOTHO coach Leslie Notsi says Zambia can pull a surprise in Kumasi by beating Ghana in the decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier set for September 6 at Baba Yara Stadium.
Notsi said in an interview in Kitwe on Saturday that the Chipolopolo should not allow themselves to be intimidated by a potentially hostile atmosphere in Kumasi.
He said Ghana will enjoy massive support from their home fans but the Black Stars cannot afford to write Zambia off as both teams have equal chances of making it to the final round of qualifiers.
“Zambia can surprise a lot of people in their match against Ghana. People are writing off Zambia but with hard work, commitment and resilience, they can pull a surprise in Kumasi.
“They have good players capable of getting good result in Ghana. They just need to put in their best,” Notsi said.
He said the technical bench should also work on the psychological aspect of their players ahead of the must-win match against the Black Stars.
He said Ghanaian fans will use all sorts of intimidating tactics to frustrate the Chipolopolo, whom he advised not to succumb to mind-games before and during the match.
“Ghanaians love their football just like Zambians. They know how to intimidate visiting teams, especially during crucial matches like the one Ghana will be playing against Zambia. It will be a tough match,” Notsi said.
Zambia must beat Ghana to qualify for the final round of the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
Ghana lead Group C with 12 points, one better than Zambia, and will only need a draw to progress.   Other teams in the Group, Lesotho and Sudan, have two points apiece.
Meanwhile, Notsi and his South Africa counterpart Gordon Igesund have commended Zambians for their hospitality during the just-ended COSAFA Castle Senior Challenge Cup.
Igesund said the friendliness of the Zambians added colour to the tournament.
He said everything went on well and that his team enjoyed its stay in Zambia.
Igesund said other countries have a lot to learn from Zambia on how best to treat visiting teams during international events.
South Africa minted bronze in the competition by beating Lesotho 2-1 in the third place play-off at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia won the championship with a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the final at the same venue.