Coach says Zambia can upset Egypt

Coach Herve Renard believes Zambia have the same chance as group favourites Egypt of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Zambia are away to Egypt next weekend when the six-round final phase begins of an elimination competition that will determine which five African countries join automatic qualifiers South Africa.

Algeria and Rwanda complete Group C with the winners securing a place at the first World Cup staged by Africa while the top three finishers go to the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola earlier that year.

Egypt, victors at the last two editions of the Nations Cup, are the team to beat as they boast the strongest squad, an outstanding coach, a formidable home record and the highest ranking among the quartet.

But fresh from a third-place finish in the African Nations Championship, a new tournament restricted to local-based footballers, Renard says Zambians are entitled to dream of a first World Cup appearance.

“Powerful teams like Cameroon and Nigeria cannot defeat Egypt in Cairo so what chance a smaller team like ours winning there?” the 39-year-old Frenchman asked reporters.

“However, we will always have the confidence that can cause an upset. Nothing is impossible in football. We have the same chance of reaching the World Cup as Algeria, Rwanda and even Egypt.

“We are not naive and know Egypt will be considered group favourites because they are African champions but we have to believe. I wanted to avoid Cameroon and Ivory Coast and my wish has been granted.

“Zambia have a good squad and great team spirit and I also know that we can improve as the qualifying competition progresses,” said the Frenchman who came to Lusaka after assisting compatriot Claude Le Roy in Ghana.

If a match against the African kings at their 70,000-capacity Cairo Stadium fortress is a daunting start, Renard draws comfort from home fixtures against Rwanda and Algeria during June.

“Of course it is a tough first game for us on the road in Egypt but if Zambia manage to get a result we can take that momentum back home and really begin to promote our push to the top.

“While our supporters are dreaming of South Africa they must realise it will be difficult because there are no easy games, but we can succeed with adequate preparations,” insisted Renard.

The steady improvement of a national team nicknamed Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) under the Frenchman since he took over last year has won approval from west Africa with Senegal and Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas showing interest.

“I have received contacts from Senegal and ASEC, but it is important to understand that these are not contracts. For now I coach Zambia because that is where I have a contract.”

Speculation that Renard might quit Zambia heightened after sponsors Konkola Copper Mines stopped paying his reported 240,000-dollar annual salary owing to falling mineral demand triggered by the global economic downturn.

President Rupiah Banda moved quickly to back Renard: “Like a jealous husband we shall defend our coach with all means at our disposal. We are going to do everything to keep you (Renard) here to complete your work.”