17 June 2011
Algeria Under-23 soccer coach, Ait Djoudi is bragging that his mission to Zambia is to consolidate the 3-0 advantage in the 2012 London Olympic Games qualifier carried over from the first leg in Algiers two weeks ago.
Djoudi said the young Desert Foxes were on a mission to safeguard their lead and that they had prepared adequately for the assignment after a 10-day training camp in South Africa and that losing the battle in Chingola tomorrow would really upset him.
In an interview on arrival at Ndola International Airport yesterday, Djoudi said he expected a tough match against the junior Chipolopolo but his charges would do everything possible to remain in contention for a slot in the final round of qualifiers.
He, however, did not rule out surprises, saying Zambia was equally a good team but that a loss at Nchanga Stadium would live him an angry man.
“It’s not easy to make predictions of this match. But I will be very angry if we lose on Saturday because we’ve a new generation of players who are determined to qualify,” Djoubi said, through Algerian Ambassador to Zambia and Zimbabwe, Lazhar Soualem, who was translating for him.
When asked about Algerian media reports that he is considering employing a defensive 5-4-1 formation, Djoubi said: “It’s normal to play defensively if you have an advantage but we will just follow the dynamics of the game.”
A brace by Ahmed Aouedj and a Djamel Belamri strike gave the Algerians a strong first leg advantage.
The 36-member delegation led by Mohamed Boukarroum was met on arrival at the airport by Soualem, FAZ treasurer, Kelvin Mutafu, committee member, Marcha Chilemena and other officials.
Gabonese match officials also came on the same South African midday flight with the Algerians.
Referee, Jean Christian Engone Bibang with compatriots, Yves Gaston Roponat Mbourou, Theophile Vinga and Eric Arnand Otogo Castane will be in charge of this fixture at Nchanga Stadium.
The Algerians, who also brought their own chef and food, are accommodated at Protea Hotel in Chingola.
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Zambia: We’re Here to Safeguard Lead, Says Algerian Coach