Sun, 11 Jun 2017 11:54:14 +0000
…as fans call for its replacement with U-20 lads
By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
FRUSTRATION, distress and anger is the emotional torture the soccer fans went through as the once upon African Champions Zambia lost 1-0 to Mozambique at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola yesterday.
Stanley Ratifo strike in the 90th minute was all that the Mambas needed to pick their first victory against Zambia and start their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier campaign on an inspiring note.
The crowd that turned up at the Stadium heaped insults on the team and called for the inclusion of the paraded Under-20 to the squad.
The senior Chipolopolo started the first half on a composed note creating a number of chances. Fwayo Tembo and Chisamba Lungu displayed some good football but as usual, could not find the back of the net.
Zambia could have taken on early lead in the 11th minute but Chisamba and skipper Rainford Kalaba gumbled with the ball from inside the box with only a goal keeper to beat.
In the 22nd minute, Zambia wasted a clear chance when Kalaba headed over a Simon Silwimba cross.
Mozambique came close to getting an opening goal in the 26th minute but Elias Pelembe’s shot went wide.
In the second half, Coach Wedson Nyirenda rested a tired looking Collins Mbesuma for Davy Daka with the hope of breaking the deadlock.
But Mozambique showed renewed vigour and created a few set pieces.
Nyirenda then substituted Kalaba for Given Singuluma who also failed to make an impact up front.
Defender Stopilla Sunzu rescued Zambia on a twice but Ratifo’s strike silenced Zambia.
Coach Nyirenda said he was disappointed by the performance of the team when the game could have been won in the first half.
“The boys lacked passion and responsibility in this game. We were supposed to win this game,” he said.
Mozambique coach Abel Xavier said his lads had left a statement that they were determined to qualify for the AfCON tournament.
“We need to put our foot down and remain focused to continue the winning spirit,” he said.
Zambia will face Namibia in their Group K second game in March 2018.
