Zambia midfielder Enock Mwepu says the squad is not scared of Zambia’s next oppoent, Germany, at the on-going 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The U20 AFCON champions face the 1981 Under-20 World Cup winners on May 31 in the last 16 in Jeju.
“Since we started the tournament when we played and beat Portugal, our aim as a team has always been to win. We don’t look at a name like Germany but whichever team that comes our way we just have to beat them,” Mwepu said.
“We won’t be scared because of what the coach tells us all the time that we need to be strong, show confidence and the character determination and courage that you need to win games.”
However, Mwepu admitted that the defeat in their final Group C match against Costa Rica was a wake-up call despite still emerging top of the group on 6 points
The 1-0 loss was Zambia’s first at the South Korea tournament following a 2-1 win over Portugal and 4-2 victory over Iran.
“It affected us but the technical staff will work on that but our attitude and character should change in training so that we come out stronger in the coming game,” said Mwepu.
Zambia has never gone beyond the last 16 stage at the U20 World Cup since their debut knockout round qualification in their second tournament appearance at the Canada 2007 games.