Zambia President: We'll Beat Ghana In Kumasi To Qualify For 2014 WC

Zambia President Rupiah Banda says the Chipolopolo will upset the tables by beating Ghana in Kumasi in September to qualify for the 2014 Brazil World Cup play-offs. The leader of the Southern African country was forced to make the statement following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Sudan over the weekend that left the side reeling after Ghana crashed Lesotho to go top of the Group D qualifiers. Banda, a former FAZ vice-president who also led a supporters band and is chairman of Chiparamba Youth Soccer Academy, has encouraged Chipolopolo to remain steadfast despite surrendering the top slot after the weekend qualifiers. A statement by Kennedy Limwanya, the deputy administrative assistant, states that the former Head of State is confident and wants the team not to be discouraged by their draw against Sudan but focus on the September clash against Ghana. Banda said states that with the right attitude and preparations, the Chipolopolo can achieve the seemingly impossible feat of defeating Ghana in front of their fans in Kumasi. A staunch soccer fan of many years, former president Banda says despite surrendering the top spot in Group D to 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana, the Herve Renard-coached side should remain positive to eventually prevail over the Black Stars and secure qualification to the last stage of the qualifiers. �It�s beyond dispute that things look difficult for our national team. After being held to a draw by Sudan last Saturday, Ghana made it worse when, not unexpectedly, they beat Lesotho in Maseru to supplant us from the top position. But this should, by no means, discourage our team,� says President Banda, a former Football Association of Zambia vice-president. Banda, however, believes that although the pressure in the September fixture against Ghana would appear to be on Zambia, the hosts would not have it easier either, as they would be playing in front of expectant fans. This, President Banda adds, might turn things into Zambia�s favour if the Chipolopolo adopt the winning mentality that helped them win the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon which he was privileged to attend.