Mpote bemoans ‘pathetic’ first half

The tournament will be played next year after the CAF schedule was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Zebras were nearly outclassed in all departments on Saturday in a first leg CHAN qualifying clash played at the Obed Itani Chilume stadium.

Even Mpote admitted that his side was pathetic on the day. Zebras, who are now in a very precarious position, will be away to Madagascar on Friday in the second leg, with the overall winner assured a place at the CHAN tournament in Algeria. “We are going to Madagascar, which will be very challenging but I still believe that we can fight and win. Remember that we did not score against Eswatini at home in the previous round. We played them away and scored twice. It was tough today but we will work on our mistakes. We also conceded a silly goal,” Mpote said in a post-match interview. Mpote also emphasised that there are several things that his side has to work on ahead of the second leg.