Zambia today wind up their group campaign in the Cecafa Senior Challenge with a must win game against bottom placed Somalia in Nakaru.
Patrice Beaumelle’s side have to win to be certain of progression with Tanzania facing Burundi who are also in the race for a quarter final slot should they rise above the Kilimanjaro Stars.
The Chipolopolo boys who edged Burundi will hope for a better surface and fortunes at a relatively better stadium than the Mochakos set up where they have endured waterlogged conditions as they have had to wade through the pitch.
Beaumelle will be counting on the form of rejuvenated Felix Katongo whose creativity has come handy in this tournament as he has set up Zambia’s two goals at the tournament so far.
But the finishing touch of Ronald Kampamba and Festus Mbewe will be crucial in Beaumelle’s chase for a second win at the tournament.
Zambia whose reputation is on the line will be hoping to finish top of the group to avoid a harsh quarter final draw against either defending champions Uganda or Sudan with a comprehensive victory handing them a relatively easier date against best third placed finishers in Group C.
The Chipolopolo last won the Cecafa in 2006 and a win will help cement interim coach Patrice Beaumelle’s place as Zambia coach.
Zambia is in joint lead of Group B with Tanzania on four points after the Chipolopolo drew with the Kilimanjaro Stars and then edged Burundi 1-0 in their second game at the tournament.
Bolazambia