Under-20 coach Beston Chambeshi says he is worried with the rate at which the junior Chipolopolo Boys are conceding penalties at the ongoing FIFA world Cup.
And Chambeshi says Zambia fears no one in the remaining games.
Zambia has conceded three penalties in the last two games, two of which were converted into goals while one cost the Chipolopolo a draw.
“For sure I am not comfortable with the way we are conceding penalties but I have watched the game ans seen the way these [opposing] boys are playing. They are being very clever with the way they are winning penalties especially the second penalty [against Costa Rica],” Chambeshi said.
“But I wasn’t impressed I would like see see them again on TV and see how we are conceding them.”
And Chambeshi says Zambia is ready to face any team in the last 16 of the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup, despite losing 1-0 to Costa Rica on Saturday.
Germany or the best third side to finish from Group F containing USA, Senegal, Saudi Arabia and Ecuador in Sundays final pool matches are Zambia’s prospective opponents in the last 16 on May 31.
“Football is played on the pitch they are big teams, they are big names, but the approach from the boys is when they are playing big teams, they always pull their socks,” said Chambeshi.
“We will take the game with a serious approach and we just have to lift our level of play so that we maintain the same spirit we have been showing. We will meet them on the pitch. Whichever team we will play.”
Zambia finished top of Group C on 6 points despite losing 1-0 to Costa Rica who finished in 3rd place on 4 points tied with 2nd placed Portugal who defeated Iran 2-1.