Zambia coach Herve Renard attributed his team’s 2-1 win over Senegal on Saturday to team spirit and tactical application.

The Chipolopolo stunned the Lions of Teranga with two early goals and even thought Senegal pulled one back, Zambia held on for three points with the Frenchman saying that his charges had sought to exploit Senegal’s lack of pace in defence with speedy attacks.

“Senegal have one of the best teams in this tournament but speed is not one of their strengths so we looked to play behind their defence. They have nine players who play in France in their squad and I knew that this approach would cause them problems.”

“In 2010, we played Cameroon in a game where many people thought we should have won but did not so it was good for us to do the job against Senegal because it put us close to qualification for the quarterfinals.”

“The team spirit among the boys is great. You should have seen them in training before the match. They were so motivated including the ones who knew that they were not going to start the match and that togetherness makes us tough to beat.”

Ever the perfectionist, the coach has already identified areas for improvement, “The first half was great but we lacked a bit of maturity and experience in the second half and were unable to keep the ball as well we should have.”

Nevertheless, he believes they can achieve great things, “There is a special day in Libreville on 12th February and the only way we are going to Gabon is if we are in the final and that’s our target. Normally, we would not be considered as favourites for the final but then again in football you have to believe.”

The final will be held in Libreville where an air tragedy claimed almost the entire team in 1993 and Renard says reaching the final would be great tribute.

“I know it’s in the hearts of every Zambia and we would want to do our best to honour the ones who departed. Then Zambia was to play Senegal just like on Saturday so maybe there is something good for us this time round,” he added.