By MICHAEL MIYOBA
EGYPT maintained its 27-year dominance over the Chipolopolo who they stunned 1-0 last night in an international friendly match played at the Hazza Bin Zayeb Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
An injury time goal from defender Hamdy Faty gave Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant his first defeat as national team coach.
Faty rose high to beat Chipolopolo goal keeper Francis Mwansa with a sublime header three minutes into the five minutes which was additional time.
Egypt deserved the victory as they had dominated play in both halves despite having struggled to convert most of the chances which were created.
Egypt’s first chance came in the 17th minute when Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah came close with a shot which was defended by the defence led by experienced Stoppila Sunzu.
Zambia’s first dangers attempt came 10 minutes before the half hour mark when Fashion Sakala did everything right by beating his marker before directing his shot straight into Egyptian goal keeper El Shenawy.
Sakala had another opportunity in the 28th minute when he was set up by left back Roderick Kabwe. However, his resulting shot went over the bar, much to the excitement of El Shenawy.
Midfielder Emmanuel Banda tried his luck a few minutes before the half hour mark but saw his long-range strike sail over the bar.
Goal keeper Francis Mwansa was called to action in the 28th minute when Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan tormented the right wing before trying his luck with a sublime law shot on target which Mwansa easily collected.
Mwansa produced another impressive save two minutes before the break and ensured that the first stanza ended goalless.
Egypt continued to put the Chipolopolo boys under pressure in the second half with “Trezeguet” camming close a minute before the hour mark but watched in agony as his header hit the cross bar before sending the rebound over the bar.
Chipolopolo struggled in midfield forcing Grant to replace Emmanuel Banda with Golden Mafwenta four minutes after the hour mark.
Zambia could have punished Egypt in the 69th minute when Benedict Chepeshi set up Klings Kangwa with a perfect cross. The Red Star Belgrade winger was unfortunate as he sent his header inches wide.
Grant introduced Edward Chilufya for Fashion Sakala while Patson Daka paved way for Evans Kangwa with Francisco Mwepu coming in for Lubambo Musonda in the dying minutes of the match.
When everyone thought that the Chipolopolo would walk away with something from their renewed rivalry with the North African giants, Faty stunned Zambia with his goal in injury time to give Egypt the victory.
The win extended Egypt’s record to eight wins and three draws in the last 11 meetings.
Zambia will now face the Cranes of Uganda in another international friendly match on October 17 to complete their back to back international friendly matches in the UAE.
