20 Nov 2023

It will be a must win match for the Zebras head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa as his charges face ‘Syli nationale’ of Guinea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Obed Itani Chilume  Stadium today.

Having joined the Zebras camp on the eve of the World Cup qualifiers, the new gaffer will have to dig deep to produce a miracle, in the almost do or die situation.

This is a game the Zebras need to win after a 3-2 humiliation at the hands of Mozambique last Thursday in a game they could have at least forced to a draw.

This is one of the games that will need the experience of players such as Mogakolodi “Tsotso” Ngele, Tumisang “Teenage” Orebonye, and Thatayaone “TT” Ditlhokwe.

Against Mozambique, Zebras displayed better fighting spirit and managed to reduce the deficit after going down early by two nil in the first half of the match.

Da Rosa in an interview with BOPA said although disappointed with his first result against Mozambique, he was happy with the team’s fighting spirit.

He said they were working very hard to correct some of the mistakes, adding that their analysis had picked that the defence was suspect.

“We have been working on that in our training sessions, to be more compact and we worked on the finishing. We were also working on their confidence when in front of the goal area,” he said.

He said Guinea was not a closed book to him and he understands their style of play, adding that he managed to watch over five of their past games.

“So I know very well their style of play. They are a good side to be honest, in terms of playing and ball retention, as they don’t want to lose the ball easily.

They secure all the passes and they are difficult to press,” he said.

Da Rosa said Guinea was more mature and a high level team, which attacks very well and they can accelerate the rhythm of the match in the last third of their play.

Guniea has brought a pool of players plying their trade in Europe in their 23-man squad, with only goalkeeper Moussa Camara playing for Horoya AC in Guinea.

Zebras defence is expected to bring forth their top notch performance to the field and deploy all their defence tactics to deny Guniea forwards; Aguibou Camara who plays in Greece, Saudi Arabia based François Kamano, Morgan Guilavogui, Karim Cissé and Mohamed Bayo who  play in France and Germany based Serhou Guirassy.

Kick off time for the match is 3pm. ENDS