On 12th March 2017, Zambia won it’s first ever continental trophy at U20 level.The key players of that glorious team include Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu.
On Saturday, the trio played in Zambia’s World cup qualifier against Algeria with two starting the match in Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala while Enock Mwepu came on as a second half substitute.
Prior to their inclusion into the squad the country was torn between letting them develop gradually by going to U23 first and taking them straight to the senior national team. With that background the boys had no room for error once included in the squad.
Coming to the actual match the players put in a decent shift. Their display on the day even attracted applauds from the coach Wedson Nyirenda.
” Fantastic. We threw them in the deep ends of the water and they swam,” said Nyirenda
Enock Mwepu was the stand out player of the three.He came on for Chisamba Lungu, a seasoned campaigner for Chipolopolo and brought life to Zambia’s midfield after the sending off of Fashion Sakala. He had what you can term as a dream debut.
Enock Mwepu in action on Saturday
Mwepu was calm and composed, bullying his way around the midfield and scored a very beautiful goal to seal all three points for Chipolopolo.
Mwepu’s team mate at FC Liefering Patson Daka also had a very good game running at defenders chasing for loose balls and basically making the Algerian defence work through out the match.
Despite being sent to an early shower Fashion Sakala made some good runs in the time he was part of the action. The coach was not disappointed by the card and hailed the players performance.
“It is football and it happens . The boy did what he could do for us and had a very good game,” said Nyirenda
You guys ….the 2nd goal was down to Patsons hard work on the flanks…he is the one who created the chance which Fashion should have taken but thankfully Brian Mwila lapped up the scraps
I agree. Patson does not get enough credit for his intelligent runs off the ball. I imagine if Brian head missed the header he scored his first goal with Patson was already in position to pounce. He’s going places.
The Under 20 team that won the COSAFA under 20 in South Africa last year as well as the Under 20 AFCON this year is the best that we have ever produced since independence! They are born winners. Their inclusion in the team has changed the mentality of the senior national team!!!
MWEPU & Emmanuel Banda to start in Algeria!
Can someone tell them – those white socks dont go with this jersey, they are supposed to wear orange socks as well ! Well played Mwepu and Patson, this is the energy and fresh blood that we needed in the team.
Pungwa,I was thinking the same thing but then I remembered, Man United wear a red jersey over white shorts and black socks or black shorts with white socks and no one derides their fashion sense…
Me thinks green socks with flag color stripes will complete the flag
@Pungwa, you are right! Ba Zambia “balisashila!”