ZAMBIA goes to AFCON tops

By ZULU BARNABAS

ZAMBIA has mesmerisingly completed her successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, finishing top of Group G with 13 points following a comprehensive 2-0 ‘gunning down, Sierra Leone in an away fixture played in Liberia.
The win has secured Zambia’s place at the top of the group table, narrowly edging out Ivory Coast, who finished in second place with 12 points.
Sierra Leone also finished on 12 points, but Zambia’s superior goal difference gave them the decisive edge while Chad, who suffered another defeat to Ivory Coast, ended their qualification campaign at the bottom of the group with just 3 points.
The victory against Sierra Leone capped an impressive qualifying campaign for Zambia, as they remained unbeaten in their last four matches. The match in Liberia was a crucial one for both teams, with Zambia knowing that a win would guarantee them top spot in the group. And they didn’t disappoint.
The match was held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Liberia, where Sierra Leone had the challenge of facing a well-organized Zambian side that showed both resilience and attacking flair. Zambia took control early on, but it wasn’t until the 54th minute that the breakthrough came.
Zambia’s first goal was a spectacular one, with Emmanuel Banda striking a powerful, long-range effort that found the back of the net, giving the Sierra Leone goalkeeper no chance. The strike was the result of patient build-up play, with Zambia steadily asserting dominance over Sierra Leone. Banda’s goal sent the Zambian fans into celebration and gave them the lead they richly deserved.
Just minutes later, Zambia nearly doubled their advantage through Kennedy Musonda, who came close with a header off a brilliant floating cross from Kelvin Kampamba. Musonda’s glancing header went just wide of the target, but the Chipolopolo remained in control, pressing for a second goal.
The second goal came shortly after, as Zambia’s attacking efforts finally paid off. Kennedy Musonda, who had been lively throughout the match, was in the right place at the right time when a strike from Joseph Sabobo Banda came off the post. Musonda was quick to react to the rebound and slotted home from close range, giving Zambia a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The goal was a well-earned reward for the team’s persistence and attacking intent. Musonda’s clinical finish ensured there would be no way back for Sierra Leone, who struggled to break down Zambia’s solid defense.
In the final stages of the match, Zambia made a series of substitutions to maintain their control and freshen up the midfield and attacking options. Coach Avram Grant introduced Clatous Chama and Golden Mafwenta, who replaced Emmanuel Banda and Kelvin Kampamba respectively. The tactical changes kept Sierra Leone on the back foot, with Zambia’s fresh legs continuing to press forward.
Chama’s creativity in the midfield and Mafwenta’s energy up front helped sustain Zambia’s dominance in the match, preventing Sierra Leone from finding a way back into the game.