By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZANACO’S young star Albert Kangwanda was the hero of the day as he came from the bench to score a second half brace to help Zambia come from behind twice to beat Ethiopia 3-2 in an international friendly game at Addis Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia yesterday.
The Milutin “Micho” Sledojevic” drilled side started the friendly match against Ethiopia on a good note with Zesco United attacking midfielder Kelvin Kampamba testing the goal keeper with an effort which shaved the cross bar before going out of play eight minute after kick off.
However it was Ethiopia who broke the dead lock in the 13th minute after benefitting from Lameck Siame’s clumsy goal keeping skills.
The Chipolopolo tried to get back into the game with strikers Collins Sikombe, Emmanuel Chabula and Mubanga Kampamba trying to get the equaliser.
Sikombe, Chabula and Kampamba were all unfortunate as their efforts posed no danger for the home team.
With two minutes before the break, Kampamba who has been critical for the Chipolopolo with two assists and one goal in Zambia’s last three fixtures against Malawi, Kenya and South Africa levelled matters for the Chipolopolo.
Ethiopia restored their lead a few minutes into the second half from a penalty before “Micho” introduced Friday Samu for Bruce Musakanya while Zacharia Chilongoshi was rested for Paul Katema. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Thomas Zulu and Benedict Chepeshi came in for Collins Sikombe and Kelvin Kampamba respectively while Albert Kangwanda came in for Kondwani Chiboni.
Within a few minutes after coming in Kangwanda punished Ethiopia with a beautiful equaliser before heading in the winner in injury time to send the few supporters led by Zambia’s ambassador to Ethiopia, Emmanuel Mwamba into jubilations as they sang the famous “Iyeeee…. Chipolopolo” song.
The victory at Addis Ababa Stadium handed “Micho” his fourth win in Zambia having beaten Malawi twice before his only defeat to Kenya on October 11 in Nairobi.
Zambia’s next fixture will be against South Sudan tomorrow before a rematch with Ethiopia tomorrow.
