Zambia coach Herve Renard: Opener against Senegal is crucial

The Chipolopolo trainer says that their curtain raiser against the Teranga Lions will determine how far his team will go at the 2012 Afcon

Jan 18, 2012 11:01:00 AM

By Lolade Adewuyi

More On :  Senegal, Zambia, Hervé Renard
Herve Renard (Zambia)
Zambia coach Herve Renard has said that it is crucial his team defeats Senegal in their opening game of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on Saturday if they hope to make a decent showing at the tournament.

The Chipolopolo have been drawn against the Terenga Lions in Group A, which also includes co-hosts Equatorial Guinea and Libya.

Don't Miss

"Senegal are a strong team and a team that beats Senegal will go far in the tournament," Renard told Zambia Daily Mail.

Even though Renard’s team defeated the west Africans from their two meetings during the inaugural Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in 2009, he is not underrating the present squad, which is now one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

"That was a different competition and this will be played at a different level," Renard said.

The Zambians are looking for their first Afcon trophy after their inspirational title push in 1994, where they won silver.
Follow Goal.com on Twitter
Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
3 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Champions League Team of the last-16 first leg Champions League Team of the last-16 first leg

    Goal.com picks the best in show from the first leg of the round of 16 fixtures in Europe's most prestigious club competition

  2. Ranieri must banish Sneijder & Zarate to the bench Ranieri must banish Sneijder & Zarate to the bench

    The under-fire Nerazzurri boss appears to have lost the courage of his convictions if his team selection for his side's latest defeat is anything to go by

  3. Rafinha not good enough, and neither is Dante Rafinha not good enough, and neither is Dante

    The right-back was exposed against Basel on Wednesday, and his alarming inadequacy should send a clear signal to Uli Hoeness that the Gladbach man is a similarly risky investment

  4. Champions League Player Ratings: Basel 1-0 Bayern Champions League Player Ratings: Basel 1-0 Bayern

    Goal.com assesses the individuals on show as the Swiss champions shocked the Bavarian giants at St. Jakob-Park

  5. Champions League Player Ratings: Marseille 1-0 Inter Champions League Player Ratings: Marseille 1-0 Inter

    Goal.com evaluates the performances of those involved in the last 16 clash at the Stade Velodrome, a game decided by Andre Ayew's last-gasp goal

 
Advertisement
Advertisement