Mweene bullish ahead of Nigeria tie

Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene has revealed that tears were shed after Chipolopolo’s 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in a Group C match on Monday.

The defending champions had been expected to walk off with all three points against the minnows from east Africa, but now face a difficult task to qualify for the next round.

Their next match is against Nigeria at the Mbombela Stadium on Friday night (tonight.)

“We were crying after the result against Ethiopia because we not happy. The people back home were also crying because the result was not good,” said the Zambian vice-captain.

“Although disappointed we took the draw as a blessing because God has different ways in which he rewards those which are faithful, so hopefully it will work out for us tonight. We believe we will qualify.”

During last year’s Afcon-winning campaign, Mweene was superb in between the sticks, especially coming to the fore in the penalty shoot-outs.

And on Monday he again blocked a spot kick, from Ethiopia’s Saladin Said.

“It’s just about training and I practice a lot even with my club, but it takes a lot of hard work and practice.

"As a keeper you have to read the body shape of the opponent, you must be intelligent, see how he juggles his feet, how he positions himself, the angles, how he runs up to take it,” revealed the Chipolopolo No 1.