Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:29:49 +0000
By Michael Miyoba
Saith Sakala’s well executed goal in injury time increased Zambia’s envoys in the CAF Champions League, Zanaco’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals of the tournament after beating Cotton Sport by a solitary goal in a Group D fixture played in Garoua, Cameroon, yesterday.
The win became Zanaco’s second over the Cameroonians, having beaten them 2-1 in a third Group D fixture at National Heroes Stadium on 3rd June.
Despite starting the match on a slow note, the Zambian champions maintained their focus and prevented a dominant Cotton Sport from scoring at their home ground.
The Cameroonians dominated play in the first quarter of the game and could have gone ahead in the 10th minute but the Zanaco back four were however alert to deny the home team.
With 18 minutes into the first half, Zanaco tested the Cameroonians but Saith Sakala’s weak shot on target was saved by Cotton Sport goal keeper Raoul Engoue. Two minutes later, Cotton Sport replied with a brilliant counter-attack on the right wing but failed to convert as Romaric Petroipa sent his shot wide. Pittroipa again could have put his team forward but his shot could not bother Toasta Nsabata as it went over the bar.
With 10 minutes before half time, the Zambian champions’ brilliant run ended in a disappointing note as Sakala’s sent his shot straight into the goal keeper’s hands.
The home team approached the second half with much intent to find the back of the net and forced Nsabata to produce two fine saves within a minute.
With Zanaco looking shaky in the second half, coach Numba Mumamba introduced Kwame Atram for Felix Nyaende in the 66th minute.
The sub made little impact as the Cameroonian dominance over Zanaco continued but were blunt on their finishing. Mumamba’s boys could have punished the Cameroonians 15 minutes before the final whistle but Engoue’s heroics in goal could not allow Zanaco from scoring.
But the Zambians did not give up and were finally rewarded two minutes into injury time when Sakala scored a well-executed shot from inside the 18 yards to silence the home team.
The win pushed Zanaco to the summit of Group D with 10 points. With two games remaining, the Zambian champions now need only a draw to progress to the quarter-finals.
