CHIPOLOPOLO DRAWN WITH BLACK STARS IN 2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Zambia has been draw with Ghana in Group D of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. The two teams will clash in the second round group stages when they enter the fray next year in a Group D that also includes of Sudan.

Group D will be complete with the winner from the preliminary round match between Burundi and Lesotho.
Winner from Group D will advance to the final third round stage where 10 teams will battle in a league format for the five Africa zone places available at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, President of the Zambian Football Association and former African best footballer, Kalusha Bwalya says Ghana will be the ultimate team to beat if Zambia is to realize their world cup dreams.

In an interview on Asempa FM’s Sports Morning Show on Monday, Mr. Bwalya stated that Zambia had been lodged in a tough group. He however said they will take it in their stride and see how best they can work around the clock to ensure qualification for the Chipolopolos.

Contrary to what the bookmakers say, Mr. Bwalya believes history will not be a key determinant in which country qualifies from the group. He further stated that the variables in those previous engagements and times are not the same and so one will be making a grievous mistake by using past records as a qualification tool.

According to him the current crop of players in Zambia are good although not with big names and also believes they have a good coach in the person of Daniel Bonetti. He believes they just have to strike a good balance in the team and they would surely make headway.

On a lighter note he said he had a discussion with Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of Ghana Football Association and they both wished each other the best of luck in the qualification.

Ghana was drawn in Group D in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers alongside Zambia, Sudan and the winners of Lesotho or Burundi.

The two-leg first round matches will be staged on 11 and 15 November, and the second round group kicks off on 1 June 2012.

The five third-round ties that will decide who picks one of the five qualifying berths to Rio are scheduled for October and November 2013.

In the qualifying process, 203 countries will be part of the 824 qualifiers for the right to claim one of 32 berths at the 2014 World Cup finals.

Brazil will host the competition from 12 June – 13 July 2014.