Zambia and Benin shared spoils in the opening group match at the on going CAF U20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Substitute Rickson Ng’ambi equalised for Zambia to salvage a point for the Southern Africa champions in a disjointed performance.
Striker Radoflo Aloko gave Benin a lead in the 57th minute but it was short lived after Derick Bulaya found Ng’ambi in the box.
Despite both sides enjoying plenty of chances in the first half, Zambia’s display was disjointed and this forced coach Chisi Mbewe to make changes.
Benin were very intense, fast and aggressive on the ball.
Winger Chipyoka Songa and Charles Majapa Mumba were withdrawn for Emmanuel Mukosha and Ng’ambi to add a bit energy to the game.
Zambia only came to life after Aloko’s goal as they showed more purpose to their game.
Late in the game, Kingstone Mutandwa replaced Peter Chikola with the boys from Lusaka pushing for a winning goal.
Zambia face group leaders Gambia on Friday in what promises to be a mouthwatering tie.
Gambia beat Tunisia 1-0 in an early match.
The top two sides will qualify to the quarter finals from the three groups. The six teams will be joined by the two best losers.
This is Zambia’s 10th appearance at the youth tournament.
The Cosafa Champions returns to the tournament after missing the last two editions.
Zambia reached the last four in 1999, and 2007 before winning it on home soil in 2017.
Zambia XI v Benin: Jeban Tembo – Lombe Mutale, Happy Nsiku, Gift Mphande, Amon Chulu – Dominic Kanda, Julius Kumwenda, Charles Mumba Majapa (Rickson Ng’ambi 46′) – Chipyoka Songa (Emmanuel Mukosha 46′), Derick Bulaya, Peter Chikola (Kingstone Mutandwa 78′)
Age difference was a factor in my opinion. Zambians played really like young boys, which they’re and was a factor indeed.
@ anonymous chali Kale sane. Epo twaba.
That I would always agree with you.
I went to west Africa many moons ago.
They start counting their age at about 10 (if I may exaggerate), and the people that play ichimpombwa on the street are big madala’s with hairy chests.
So let’s beat them and represent the right age.
I actually felt bad when I read that akeshikulu kandi ka ‘Sabobo’ had to return home from camp with an injury.
pantu kwena there is talent on that Mbeba consumer.
Stop with ur bullshits! Who start counting their ages at 10! Crap!! Ur untalented team is no match for Benin period
The boys where attacked and they took the game back to their friends without fear. Way to go.
I did not personally watch this game but read a lot of negative comments on facebook.
Baiche sana aba infact bana besu nangu abeshikulu,
So ba Zamfoot and soccer loving colleagues lets not call it lucky or start calling names, we came out with a draw, which is 1 point the leaders have 3.
For an opener let’s draw lessons from there and understand that the lads are young and could have had stage fright.
Trying to over impress the press, the scouts, the audience (dancing to the gallery) hence failing to play their usual game.
We also did not know the coach’s game plan.
Pantu kwena even if the COSAFA is a lower tier tournament, the lads were very impressive.
All in all, let’s remember how Herve Renard kept on tinkering the 2012 AFCON winning team with Chisamba Lungu sometimes playing as a defender.
Coach Chis Mbewe, we leave our fate in your hands.
Do your best and let the best team win, we are currently sitting at number 2 or because of the alphabet at number 3.
A draw for these young lads whose nerves are still raw, is to me good enough as long as we put in an improved performance in the next game.
Bring the next opponents as I will be watching it.
I rest my case.
THE PROBLEM IS THE COACH. WONTEXPAND
THE OPPONENTS NABO BAICHE OR MAYBE AMA OPPONENTS BAKULU EDUCATE US
I love football
Agree with Kasama boy.
its like playing for a small primary school then when you go to secondary , the chaps are massive and even have children. Their massive thigh muscles and hairy chests and deep voices mean you have to consider playing netball.
It was very depressing,mwe.
West and north africans are like that. They are not only tall but if they short then bali builder badi, and that is where the difference is. Zambian people we are not that big especially nowdays. The time Zambia did well is when we had players who had the physical structure in place. We need at l least 5 to 6 players aba byuda
THE PROBLEM IS THE COACH. WONT EXPAND THOUGH
Even at senior level we have been able to beat Benin or Gambia. These 2 countries have their Youth program in place and such players are choosen on merit. Coaches are full time
Correction:
Even at senior level we have not been able to beat Benin or Gambia. These 2 countries have their Youth program in place and such players are choosen on merit. Coaches are full time
Even senior Zambia team can’t beat Benin U20 nor Senegal U20. Their teams are well structured period.