Zambia's Stumble in Lesotho: World Cup Hopes Dented but Not Denied

Zambia’s head coach Herve Renard has refused to throw in the towel after his team was recently held to a one-all draw by Lesotho, severely hampering its possibilities of making it through for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Despite the shocking draw in Maseru, Renard still holds that his team has the opportunity to be eligible for the global event.  The thrilling match also saw the Chipolopolo's top goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene, sent off.

Renard said that he was very frustrated given that his team showed the desire to win the match, but he also had to give credit to the Lesotho squad for showing a spirited fight in the game. After the culmination of the match, Renard was quoted stating;

"It was a challenging game though a win could have enhanced our possibility of obtaining a World Cup ticket. Being the tactician who led the squad to clinching the Africa Cup of Nations Cup in Gabon last year, I do commended my boys for giving it their all in the match."

Lesotho's virtual last-minute goal cost Chipolopolo a win that could have assisted them in staying level with the group’s leader, Ghana, on six points a piece

Currently at the top of Group D is Ghana, whose only loss to date was against Zambia. Barring any other surprises, these two sides will meet on 6 September in Ghana to determine who advances to the next qualifying phase, when ten hopefuls will be reduced to the five who will punch their tickets to Rio.