Chipolopolo fail to fire

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 09:31:07 +0000

… in a frustrating 0 – 0 away friendly with Zimbabwe

By GRACE CHAILE-LESOETSA

THE senior Chipolopolo yesterday displayed a disappointing performance in Harare where they were held to a goalless draw by a determined Zimbabwe in an international friendly match played at the National Sports Stadium.

With barely a day after the Under-20 team beat Ecuador 2-0 in a Four Nations Invitational tournament in South Korea, Zambian fans were expecting another victory from the Wedson Nyirenda tutored senior Chipolopolo.

But it seems the senior team was still struggling to find the net and even the once upon minnows Zimbabwe proved to be a tough nut to crack once again.

With Ronald Kampamba, Jackson Mwanza and Augustine Mulenga in the frontline, Zambia sent three scares to Zimbabwe in the first half.

In second half, Zimbabwe raised the tempo with Ronald Chitiyo causing problems for the Zambian defence, who came close to putting the Warriors in the lead in the 53rd minute of play but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

Nyirenda substituted Fwayo Tembo for Kelvin Kampamba in the 65th minute but still Zambia could not break the deadlock.

The Zambian coach was sent off the bench with 10 minutes of play remaining for disputing the referees’ decisions.

Chitiyo almost scored in the 82th minute when Mweene saved the senior team from the shame of a loss.  Zambia continued to press for a goal but the Warrior’s defence remained solid till the final whistle. The last time Zambia played Zimbabwe on November 5, 2016 at the same venue, they lost by 0-1. Nyirenda was using the friendly to prepare for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier match against Swaziland.

Since the successful 2012 AfCON campaign the senior team has failed to put up an impressive performance. Meanwhile, the u-20 will at midday local time take on hosts South Kore ssat the on-going Four Nations tournament. Coach Beston Chambeshi said the boys were ready for the task and aiming for a win.

“The boys are ready for tomorrow’s encounter. It will not be an easy game against the hosts but I have the confidence the boys will triumph,” he said.