Zambia’s U17 head coach Ian Bakala has given credits to Nigeria’s Eaglets for the victory against his team in the opening group B fixture in the U17 African Cup of Nations holding in Algeria.
Bakala remained optimistic about his Junior Chipolopolos is still in contention to progress to the next round, said he saw a lot of positives from the match despite the defeat.
“It is painful to lose a game like this, but it was a tough game. Credit to Nigeria for the win because they used their chance. When you are coming to the first game of the tournament, anything is possible,” Bakala said.
“There is a lot to do and we will work on the mistakes in training. We will change our story moving forward,” said the coach.
He added; “I am happy with how we have played because physically and tactically, we are in a good place. We looked much better in the second half and hopef, fully pen fully on that form for our next match.”
Zambia will take on South Africa in a COSAFA derby in their next match, a tie that they need to win to keep their hopes of progressing to the last eight alive.
Source: bsnsports.com.ng