With qualification to the quarter finals already secured, Zambia were held to a goalless draw by Mali in the final Group D match.Â
Below is how the Chipolopolo Boys rated against the West Africans.Â
Jacob Banda 7
He saved well from an indirect free kick and covered his line well when he had to dive to his left to put away a shot. He was quick off his line when the defence was exposed with a defense splitting through ball to save Zambia. Has produced at least a good save in each game
Solomon Sakala 4
Debut game at the tournament earning his second cap for Chipolopolo. He was jittery and didn’t not fully stamp his authority on the game. Hardly ventured forward to support attack. He is the next Joseph Musonda having been taken as left back cover but today coming in on the left back.
Adrian Chama 6
Calm and collected at the back. Was quick to cover his colleagues when needed. The damper for him was his awful display when he was moved into the holding midfield role after the introduction of Buchizya Mfune.
Christopher Munthali 7
Solid at the back and great in the air. Hardly put a foot wrong. Followed up a good performance against Uganda with another. His long ball from the back was however lacking precision.
Steven Kabamba 4
Was okay in defence with a few errors. For his standards, it was poor that he failed to deliver even one cross going forward.
Jack Chirwa 6
Echoes of ‘Jack Chirwa’ always go in the stands from the Green Buffaloes faithful whenever he switches play…. And today he did just that in the 63rd minute when switched to Clatus Chama. A calm and collected performance in the holding role by Chirwa. He tracked the runners well.
Spencer Sautu 5
A poor game by the U20 attacking midfielder who looked better defending than going forward. Nothing came from his wing. Once he showed his brilliance when he dummied his marker to dash into the box, but his shot was poor.
Cletus Chama 4
He failed to come out of his shell or replicate the form he showed in the last two games. His set piece delivery was good as has been throughout the tournament. Much better than we have seen in a long time.
Benson Sakala 6
Neat and tidy display. Showed his versatility when he was pulled into the right back position where he sent the only significant cross of the game. Nothing spectacular though.
Christopher Katongo 6.5
He worked hard for the team. Was pressing high up and tried close the Malians down from the top. He was well marked in attack.
Patson Daka 6
Had a good first half, ran into the channels well. He tried to bring the midfielders into play and ensured that there was a presence upfront
Substitutes
Buchizya Mfune 5
Adamson Phiri 5
Mwape Mwelwa – Not rated
To me Munthali continues to impress me. I would actually give him 8. I don’t even know why the coach put him on the bench in the first game against Zim.
except for jacob i would give the team an overall 3. if i was a coach i would be kicking water bottles if my team doesnt register a shot on goal. anyway iam just an armchair critic whose input doesnt matter. we will qualify to russia without shooting on goal
Jacob 9 in that game, he has not allowed any goal so far.
Stumpy 3??? The game was heavy, the boys were tired. Coach should have started with players who did play in first matches, then go substituting in that order.
He should have rested Jacob too for next games.
wailing wailer
we wil beat yo guinea team on sunday.
P.S iam waiting for paradox to finish his pack of shake shake to come here and start shreding coments to pieces and remind us of 2012 which is water under the bridge
Munthali is gud, growing everyday i hop someone can spot him. Rena produce during cosafa
Watching that game it was more like reality check. The team missed services of Kalengo, Patson Daka is way too raw! I expect an improved performance against Guinea.
Slowly being taken in by this Jack Chirwa guy. He has a languid physique which is not pleasing on the eye but i have to say there is something to him. He has a way of always holding position in the centre and never getting pulled to where the action is which is a sign of tactical discipline. He also has a long but precise ball from deep centre to switch play which is simply class. Reminds me of Juan Sebastian Veron in his pomp at inter milan. Am enjoying this chan.
Well rating continue