Renard Defends Zambia And Katongo

Herve Renard defends both Zambia’s  and Christopher Katongo’s form at AFCON 2013 and is sure of beating Burkina Faso.

Champions Zambia have been under the cosh in South Africa and are winless with two draws in their defence of the title they won last February in Gabon.

Zambia captain Christopher Katongo too is under fire after failing to inspire or score in their last two Group C games and was subjected to second half substitutions in the games against Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Renard added that he will not also let public criticism of the team back home affect Zambia’s seemingly Herculean quest to reach this year’s quarterfinals.

“What do you want me to say today? We have to win or you will ask me about Christopher Katongo?” Renard said after Sunday’s practice session at Ka Nyamazane Stadium.
” I know your questions in advance. Go to the streets and ask the people what they are thinking. They know football maybe better than me and you.”
Renard said Zambia are still unbeaten at the Africa Cup in successive eight games and that should count for something ahead of Tuesdays must-win clash against Group C leaders Burkina Faso. “I have only one thing to tell you, in eight games we have not lost in the Africa Cup,” Renard said.
“That means we have to win the next one. Then we will qualify.” Victory over Burkina Faso on January 29 will guarantee Zambia a place in the last eight. Burkina Faso lead on four points, Zambia and Nigeria are tied on two points. Ethiopia, who face Nigeria today, have one point.

 

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