MOZAMBICAN captain Tico Tico has predicted a tough game against Zambia in a COSAFA Castle Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Speaking on arrival at the Lusaka International Airport yesterday, Tico Tico of South Africa side Jomo Cosmos said his team was not expecting an easy game. "It's going to be a difficult game, it is not easy playing away from home," he said.

"It's our duty to try and work hard." Tico Tico whose real names are Manuel Buccane said Zambia might win because they have a home ground advantage. However, he said the Black Mambas have come prepared to face Zambia.

"We have worked hard and we are not here to give anything away. We will do the best for our country," he added. Black Mambas assistant coach Garredo Garrane disclosed that he had come with 18 players, seven of whom are South Africa based.

"We must respect Zambia because they have been in all major African tournaments," he said. Asked to predict the winners, Garrane said it was difficult to know the winners before the game. "We will only know after the game," he said.

Some of the professionals in the team are Carlos Baute (Orlando Pirates), Mano-Mano (Manning Rangers), Tomas Inuane (Orlando Pirates), Arthur Comboio (Moroka Swallows) and Tico-Tico (Jomo Cosmos). Meanwhile, Warriors defender Clive Hachilensa and Green Buffaloes goalkeeper Sydney Tembo have been dropped from the national team.

Team manager Solly Pandor said coach Patrick Phiri had trimmed his team to 20 players. "We have dropped Hachilensa and Tembo and I think we have remained with a good number," said Pandor.

The full squad comprises Davies Phiri, Kennedy Kalale, Elijah Tana, Laughter Chilembe, Sashi Chalwe, Joseph Musonda, Misheck Lungu and Rotson Kilambe. Others are Gift Kampamba, Kelvin Mwanza, Nsofwa Chaswe, Boston Mwanza, Harry Milanzi, Numba Mumamba, Zachariah Simukonda and Philemon Chipeta. The rest are Festus Mangamu, Charles Lota, Charles Bwale and Patrick Masosa.