ALEX NJOVU & KASAMBA MOONGA, Lusaka
MOZAMBIQUE coach Helder ‘Mano Mano’ Muianga has summoned midfielder Nelson Debroso and defender Dario Can for Sunday’s decisive 2016 Rwanda African Nations Championship (CHAN) last round return leg against Zambia.
And national team coach George Lwandamina will not rush teenage striker Conlyde Luchanga.
Muianga said from Maputo yesterday that Debroso and Dario’s inclusion has strengthened the Mambas.
“The players [Debroso and Dario] we have called to the squad are very good. They will add competition to the team. We are training very hard, we are still in the competition.
“Zambia has good players, we played against a strong and quality side. But we are still confident of scoring three unanswered goals,” Muianga said.
Debroso features for Sporting clube da Beira while Dario turns out for Costal do Sol.
The Chipolopolo beat Mozambique 3-0 in the first leg last Saturday in Ndola and the Mambas need to score four unanswered goals to qualify for the Rwanda finals.
“Our target is to score three unanswered goals and take the game to penalties. For now we want to score three goals that is our main target. But scoring four goals, it may be very difficult.
“It will be a big task on our part, but scoring four goals will be a big bonus to us. I know it will be tough but we will do our best to stay in it,” Muianga said.
The Mambas are not intimidated facing Zambia.
“I have no problems with the defence. They did a very good job in Zambia. We managed to hold them until the last 20 minutes. Had we not conceded the first goal, we could have come out with something,” Muianga said.
He said his charges are ready for battle.
Meanwhile, Lwandamina said Luchanga has a bright future.
Luchanga came off the bench to score Zambia’s second goal on his debut in last Saturday’s beating of Mozambique.
“As a coach you don’t get excited but take time. We are in the nurturing process so we cannot put him in the thick of things. When the game became lighter it was good for him to come on and he showed he was on his way,” he said.
The 17-year-old striker replaced Red Arrows forward Festus Mbewe.
Striker Winston Kalengo and midfielder Spencer Sautu contributed a goal.
Luchanga, who joined Dynamos this year from Division Two (South) Mazabuka United, has scored eight goals this season.
Lwandamina also hopes the teenager will not grow big-headed after scoring last Saturday.