The Zambia national team has put one foot into the finals of the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after picking up a vital 1 – 0 away win at the Mavuso Sports Complex in Manzini.
Amity Shamenda’s second half goal was the difference on the day that gave the Chipolopolo full advantage going into the second leg.
In what seemed to be an overhaul of the team, coach Aggrey Chiyangi made five changes to the team that beat Botswana to get to the final round bringing in Toaster Nsabata in goal for Cosafa Cup golden glove winning goalkeeper Sebastian Mwange, Gift Zulu for Simon Silwimba, Lawrence Chungu for Mwila Phiri, Paul Katema for Larry Bwalya and Shamenda for Ernest Mbewe.
Zambia looked comfortable from the start and were rarely troubled by the hosts. They were making in-roads into the Eswatini area but the final ball was lacking.
In search for more penetration, Chiyangi played Larry Bwalya for Emmanuel Chabula in the 63rd minute and it didn’t take long for Zambia to go one up in the 77th minute.
Zambia held on to the lead to give Chiyangi his sixth win in seven games with no loss since he took over as Chipolopolo stand-in coach.
The two teams will meet for the second leg in Ndola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 19th October.
The winner over the two legs will qualify to the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) Cameroon 2020.
ZAMBIA STARTING XI
1. Toaster Nsabata, 2. Gift Zulu, Lawrence Chungu, 4. Adrian Chama, 15. Clement Mwape, 6. Benson Sakala, 8. Paul Katema, 7. Kelvin Kampamba (Bruce Musakanya), 12. Amity Shamende (Kelvin Kapumbu), 17. Emmanuel Chabula (Larry Bwalya), 9. Tapson Kaseba
