Zambia Four Nations Tournament: Zambia 2(5) – 2(4) Zimbabwe
Zambia beat Zimbabwe 5-4 on post match penalties in the ongoing four natioms toutnament to set up a mouth watering clash against Bafana Bafana on Saturday.
The Chipolopolo had to twice come from behind to force the match to penalties as thanks to a Lazarous Kambole 90th minute equaliser.
Zambia were looking menacing going forward from the start with Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Justin Shonga looking brilliant in attack.
But Zimbabwe looked organised with Evans Rusike and Talent Chawapiwa not giving the Zambian defense any rest.
After the restart, Solomon Sakala was beaten for pace at right back and a backtracking Isaac Shamujompa turned the resultant cross in his own net to give Zimbabwe the lead in the 64th minute.
Ernest Mbewe came in for a less than effective Brian Mwila in the 55th minute and the speedy winger injected pace to the game and the Chipolopolo levelled 9intestinal later when Justin Shonga brilliantly controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed home for the equalizer.
However Talent put the Warriors ahead again when he beat Toaster Nsabata at his near post with a low drive in the 71st minute.
With excellent Ziyo Tembo, Ernest Mbewe, Augustine Mulenga and Enock Mwepu all missing from close range, coach Wedson Nyirenda threw caution to the wind when he withdrew Solomon Sakala for Ronald Kampamba in the 86th minute.
But it was another substitute Kambole who held his cool to pick his spot for the equaliser after Zimbabwe goalkeeper had spilled the ball from a Shonga free kick to take the game to penalties.
Enock Mwepu, Lazarous Kambole, Toaster Nsabata, Fashion Sakala and Justin Shonga converted their spot kicks while Rodrick Kabwe had his penalty saved.
Zambia play South Africa in the final of the tournament on Saturday.
ZAMBIA XI V ZIMBABWE
16.Toaster Nsabata, (5) Solomon Sakala (Ronald Kampamba), (13) Rodrick Kabwe, (19) Ziyo Tembo, (21). Isaac Shamujompa, (20). Salulani Phiri, 17. Augustine Mulenga (Lazarous Kambole), (11) Enock Mwepu, (4) Brian Mwila (Enerst Mbewe), (12) Justin Shonga, (10) Fashion Sakala
Sate Sate
Beston should still be the coach of Zambia.
Beston for coach! Nyirenda must go.
It is a positive start to this ‘friendly’ four nations tourney for Zambia because a loss to Zimbabwe,which of late has been our bogey team could have been a devastating and morale sapping especially to the fans.
Mbola, Evans Kangwa need to be fused in. we need them.Fashion Sakala needs a pep talk – You cant dribble all of the opposition.
Good pace in the squad but there is need for mature lads at least in the middle of the park and defence. Mbola, Sunzu and Nathan Sinkala must be re called if possible Kalaba too. We played well going forward but closing the gaps in the middle of the park and wing backs were very poor. You could see that when Zim was with the ball their passing was excellent and good transition from defence to attack. yes we had much of the ball and full of running but the final ball was very poor. The coach is missing out point, he seems to allow players to enjoy themselves on the pitch but he doesn’t tell them that its team work and they need to accurately pass the ball to each other, be patient and create goal scoring opportunities.
if you give Renard this team they can wire any team on the continent. so my suggestion is FAZ should find a better coach and send Nyirenda and chambeshi to school. otherwise we are going back to those days when we used to play good football but lost games.
Isaac played very well with Ziyo Tembo. Good combination. Well done Coach Wada Wada. Next game give Sate Sate ample time, he will score. My Kudos
@ salus you are right the players or talent we have in zambia right now with a coach like renard even the world will know zambia is here. Faz we need an expertriate coach for now then sponsor Lwandamina,Wedson and Beston to school. Otherwise we will remain (wishing) remember SEMBE SIYISEBENZA