By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Zambia national soccer team handed Ethiopia their second consecutive defeat in three days after beating them 3-1 in yesterday’s international friendly match at Addis Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia.
A brace from striker Emmanuel Chabula and a goal from Collins Sikombe handed the the Chipolopolo an easy win after they struggled to win in the first game which saw them dominate play from the first whistle.
After struggling to beat Ethiopia in Thursday’s encounter which saw them come from behind twice to win 3-2, the Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic drilled local bullets broke the deadlock within 12 minutes of kick off through speed winger Bruce Musaka.
The Zesco United midfielders’ goal was however ruled out as he was judged to have been offside.
Zambia finally went ahead when Chabula beat the Ethiopian goal keeper with a beautiful screamer to give Chipolopolo the lead in the 14th minute.
NAPSA Stars midfielder Collins Sikombe doubled Zambia’s advantage in the 24th minute before Chabula Completed his brace a few minutes before the break.
Chipolopolo skipper Bruce Musakanya produced a moment of brilliance from midfield before laying the ball for Chabula who finished with ease.
The hosts had a few attempts at goal but were unfortunate as they couldn’t break Zambia’s defence and the first half ended 3-0 in favor of the Chipolopolo.
In the second half “Micho” made a number of changes, substituting Collins Sikombe for Chaniza Zulu while Bruce Musakanya paved way for Paul Katema.
Kondwani Chiboni was withdrawn for Benedict Chepeshi as Luka Banda replaced club mate at NAPSA Stars Luka N’guni and Emmanuel Chabula went off for Friday Samu.
“Micho” made more Changes in the 57th minute, withdrawing young Albert Kangwanda, Leonard Mulenga, Zacharia Chilongoshi and Amity Shamende for Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kebson Kamanga and Thomas Zulu.
The changes made less impact as the home team dominated the last quarter of the game and were rewarded in the 86th minute when they scored the consolation goal.
However, the Chipolopolo held on to get the much needed win which excited “Micho”.
The Serbian hailed his local charges for handing Ethiopia another defeat after playing well especially in the first half to score three goals.
The triumph handed Micho his fifth win as Chipolopolo coach from the six games he has been in charge of the Zambia National soccer team which has only recorded one lose to Kenya.
ZAMBIA CRUSH ETHIOPIA AGAIN
