Zambia produced an efficient performance to see off a challenge from a determined Uganda side.
Despite, being on the back-foot for most of the game, the Chipolopolo took their chances and where ruthless in front of goal led by eventual man of the match Lazarous Kambole.
The ZamFoot Crew rates the player’s performance.
Toaster Nsabata 7/10 – He could do little about the well taken goal by Derrick Nsibambi. Good positioning to save from close range in the opening minutes and he was equal to the task for all balls floated into the box. A calm and collected performance.
Simon Silwimba 5/10 – Not his best game in national team colors but worked his socks out on a tough day for the back four. He stuck to his full back position and hardly ventured forward to support attack.
Fackson Kapumbu 4/10 – He was the weak link in the back-line. The Cranes were launching attack after attack through his left back position. The equalizer for Uganda came through the same channel but he could have done with some cover from the midfield as well. To his credit, his set-pieces gave Ugandans something extra to think about and he earned Chipolopolo a goal with a long deflected shot which was dropped over the line by the keeper.
Adrian Chama 6/10 – A determined performance from the Buffaloes player. He was always quick to drop down to cover the full backs every time their were exposed.
Ziyo Tembo 7/10 – Gallant performance by the skipper. He was winning the aerial battles, steady on the ground and was a threat when he went forward for set-pieces
Donashano Malama 6/10 – Credit for covering a lot of ground in the midfield and adding steel in the middle of the pack.
Kondwani Mtonga 6/10 – He tried to calm down things and was always looking to play the ball. He was expected to pull the strings for Zambia but he failed to stump his authority on the game.
Ernest Mbewe 7.5/10 – Good performance by the Zanaco winger ending the game with an assist for the first goal. Defended very well every time he had to track back and was always looking very dangerous when he was released on the wing
Augustine Mulenga 6.5/10 – He scored the second goal but wasn’t in his usual blistering form. Hardly created any chance from his end.
Alex Ngonga 8/10 – A determined lad. Bazo fought hard for the team and kept the Uganda defense on their toes. Even when it was apparent he had a knock, he still carried on. He set Mbewe on his run for the first goal.
Lazarous Kambole 9/10 – What a way to announce your arrival on the international scene – A goal and an assist. He had a presence in front and showed a lot of confidence to run at the defenders. Good anticipation to run into the box on the counter attack and a good first time finish.
Substitutes
Friday Samu 7/10 – Initially looked like he would be the preferred attacker for Zambia going by the way they lined up in the build up games… he came in for Bazo and showed a lot of zeal fighting for every ball upfront to keep the momentum going.
Mike Katiba – Not rated
Martin Phiri – Not rated
Wedson Nyirenda 9/10 – He got the best out of his players. He did not feature good ball playing midfielders, but he clearly had a game plan to hold back and hit the opponent with speed in attack on the wings and strength through the middle and it worked.