Player rater: Mbesuma shines against Congo

Zambia took on the Red devils of Congo at the impressive 80,000 seater Kintele stadium in Congo Brazaville. After a shaky start, the Chipolopolo held their own and Congo survived a late onslaught.

The draw leaves Zambia third in group behind Guinea Bissau (7 points) and Congo (6 points) who are ahead of the Chipolopolo on goal difference,

ZamFoot’s Gibs looks at how the players performed in the game against Congo.

Kennedy Mweene (6.5): The trusted number one had a decent game, though was at fault for the Congolese goal. He redeemed himself with a brilliant save in a one on one situation later on. Still the undisputed organiser in-chief of the defence, barking instructions at his team mates. Jacob Banda still has to wait as there is still life and experience in the Sundowns benchwarmer.

Kabaso Chongo (6.5): The TP Mazambian came in for the conservative Davis Nkhausu and provided some impetus going forward. Put in a loose foot here and there but had an all-round average performance. A sure-fire starter for right back.

Steven Kabamba (6): The enterprising left back will still give people some reservations after today’s performance… He somewhat struggled in the first half. The Congolese jersey 9 gave him a torrid time in the in the opening half hour but he recovered to decent effect in the second half.

Adrian Chama (7): Looked steady and assured generally but lacks the commanding presence to organise his defence. Was on the receiving end of a few Mweene mouthfuls but made a some timely tackles and clearances. Should form a solid partnership with Sunzu in future games.

Buchizya Mfune (6): The evergreen defender looked out of sorts particularly in the first half. Seems to have nerves for big games. What he did well was to cover his space with some intelligence.

Nathan Sinkala (7): He was ever present in the midfield and he played with determination. The vice-captain gave a good account and fired in a few trademark thunderbolts. Distributed the ball well and helped initiate forward moves.

Jack Chirwa (5): The midfielder had a terrible day at the office, perhaps overwhelmed by the intimidating atmosphere of the huge stadium. Looked uncomfortable on the ball, misplaced passes and lack of box to box presence. Lwandamina made a gamble that didn’t really pay off by starting him instead of Katongo. His biggest contribution to the game was that he was all over the midfield and was a presence when Zambia had to defend deep.

Lubambo Musonda (6): The Armenian based winger had a below par performance by his rising standards. Was lively in the first half, but looked leggy in the second. He played some direct football and was looking at getting the cross in at every possible chance. Good move to substitute him for Luchanga by the technical bench.

Rainford Kalaba (7): The Captain had a good run out, switching flanks in the second half to good measure. Had a decent move into the Congolese box in the second half. Some of his decision making needs to improve.

Collins Mbesuma (8.5): The burly striker has endured both the love and scorn of chipolopolo supporters but has matured into the complete striker. He was the standout player in a lacklustre first half, missed a golden opportunity, took on 4 defenders to thunder a rocket against the post, and created the panic that led to the goal, but above all held the ball to perfection and linked up well with Kalengo and Luchanga later. The Congolese fans still weary of 2004, tried to jeer him only to spur him on. It was a worthy MAN OF THE MATCH performance.

Winston Kalengo (8): The chipolopolo hit-man did what he does best: Score. In a brazen second half, AC Leopards man increased his work rate and the result was a goal. His form presents a conundrum to every die hard soccer fan. To have someone peak for club and country at a later stage of his career begs a serious question of where he has been all these years. His partnership and understanding with King David is one to relish.

SUBSTITUTES

Chris Katongo (7): While Kalaba is the physical captain, the spiritual and emotional leader remains the GBFC man. Came on as an impact sub (hats off to Lwandamina) and did just that. Full of running and rallying his team mates, had a shot or two, had a headed opportunity go wide. George must be having sleepless nights on how to deal with him. His natural position up front is just about filled so he has to play rather deep. The technical bench will have to earn their money on how to come up with a potent front line in games to come.

Conlyde Luchanga (7): The new wonder kid of Zambian football, he brought a different dimension to the game and could have had a goal. Linked up well with Kalengo in one flowing move. Despite being young, he is not afraid of the occasion and should constantly be mentored and developed into a world class talent.

TECHNICAL BENCH (7)

Started the game full of caution but once the red devils scored, threw caution to the wind. Good and timely substitutions this time around, but could have done better with the team selection in central defense and the holding midfield role. Zambia are the seeded team in the group hence we need to take advantage of this fear in our opponents and take the game to them.