Musonda: Zambia must thrash Uganda
Zambia defender Musonda
Uganda rate Zambia high
Zambia defender
Joseph Musonda has said a big home win over Uganda in the first leg of a 2013
AFCON tie will be crucial in qualification.
The African champions will host Uganda in the first leg qualifier in Ndola on September 8.
The Golden Arrows defender told MTNFootball.com that they will treat Uganda with respect, but must make the most of home advantage to stay on course to defend the Nations Cup title they won in Libreville in February.
"We must make sure that this qualifier is wrapped up in Zambia and not travel to Kampala to struggle to qualify,” Musonda said.
"We have to go there with a big and convincing home result."
The Golden Arrows defender said Zambia will also be banking on the 12th man in Ndola as they did in their 2014 World Cup Group D qualifier after beating Ghana 1-0 there on June 9.
"The motivation of playing in Ndola and the atmosphere is great. You saw the game against Ghana, the atmosphere was breathtaking and that will be key too," Musonda said.
Uganda's last visit to Ndola was in 1977 and was played across town at the revered but now demolished Dag Hammarskjold Stadium. They lost 4-2 to Zambia in a 1978 World Cup qualifier.
Musonda was part of the team in Zambia and Uganda's last meeting in a 1-1 friendly draw in Kampala on August 11, 2010. It was former Zambia coach Dario Bonetti's first match in charge.
The African champions will host Uganda in the first leg qualifier in Ndola on September 8.
The Golden Arrows defender told MTNFootball.com that they will treat Uganda with respect, but must make the most of home advantage to stay on course to defend the Nations Cup title they won in Libreville in February.
"We must make sure that this qualifier is wrapped up in Zambia and not travel to Kampala to struggle to qualify,” Musonda said.
"We have to go there with a big and convincing home result."
The Golden Arrows defender said Zambia will also be banking on the 12th man in Ndola as they did in their 2014 World Cup Group D qualifier after beating Ghana 1-0 there on June 9.
"The motivation of playing in Ndola and the atmosphere is great. You saw the game against Ghana, the atmosphere was breathtaking and that will be key too," Musonda said.
Uganda's last visit to Ndola was in 1977 and was played across town at the revered but now demolished Dag Hammarskjold Stadium. They lost 4-2 to Zambia in a 1978 World Cup qualifier.
Musonda was part of the team in Zambia and Uganda's last meeting in a 1-1 friendly draw in Kampala on August 11, 2010. It was former Zambia coach Dario Bonetti's first match in charge.
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