Player Rating: Zambia 4-0 Mauritania

Zambia’s hopes of making the playoffs for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup are alive after thrashing Mauritania 4-0 at Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium on Saturday.

Zambia’s lifeline came after a late goal by Pablo Ganet handed Equatorial Guinea a shock win over Tunisia.

The Chipolopolo Boys trails Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea by three points in Group B.

A hattrick from Glasgow Rangers forward Fashion Sakala and a goal from Patson Daka handed Zambia a win over Mauritania.

Below, the ZamFoot Crew takes a look at how each player performed on Saturday. (Rated out of 10)

Toaster Nsabata -6- The 27 year old returned to the international fold after 2 year absence. Apart a few times when the visitors tried to score from long range, the Sekhukhune goalkeeper had a quiet afternoon.

Simon Silwimba -6- Replaced Benedict Chepeshi in the starting line up but the veteran full back didn’t offer in the game. Hobbled off in the second half with what looked like a minor knock.

Prosper Chiluya -7- Provided the assist for the first goal. Combine well with Evans Kangwa on the left flank as he gave the necessary width.

Tandi Mwape -5.5- The TP Mazembe looked shaky and uncomfortable whenever the visitors attacked. Ended the match with armband

Dominic Chanda -7- The 25 year old had a steady match in central defence. He covered his colleagues well.

Emmanuel Banda -7.5- Played in a midfield two and showed his qualities. He started the move for the second goal after he sublime pass found Patson Daka who assisted Fashion Sakala. He was replaced late in the game.

Rally Bwalya -5.8- After his impressive performance against Equatorial Guinea, there was no way he was going to be left out but he looked out of sorts. Best suited in a three man midfield.

Lubambo Musonda -7- Didn’t threaten much down the right wing and lacked the final product in the final third. Worked hard and provided an assist for Fashion Sakala’s third goal.

Evans Kangwa -8.8- Many were shocked to see him starting but justified the coach’s faith with an eye catching performance. The 29 year old showed trickery and pace to leave many fans off their seats. He could have had as many as four assists.

His experience was valuable. No wonder he is an AFCON winner.

Patson Daka -8.5– A goal and assist for the smiling assassins. Despite being the designated penalty, he allowed Sakala to take one. He also showed his unselfish trait for assisting Sakala’s first goal when he could had the chance to round off the goalkeeper. He is indeed the humble one.

Fashion Sakala -9- Four goals in his last 2 matches at Heroes Stadium. Started upfront in a twin tower partnership with Daka and paid dividends. Joins the likes Kalusha Bwalya, late Kelvin Mutale, Collins Mbesuma, Chris Katongo and Given Singuluma in scoring three goals in a Chipolopolo shirt.

Substitutes

Benedict Chapeshi – Showed composure on the ball compared to Silwimba.

Dickson Chapa – The 30 year old came on to shadow the backline

Klings Kangwa – He provided the pass of the game.. Deep in midfield, the 22 year old spotted Daka’s run with a sublime defensive splitting which striker squared it for Sakala but the ball was intercepted. Late in the game, the Arsenal Tula player was roasted by Sakala for being selfish.

Spencer Sautu – The prince of Choma failed to have an impact on the game

Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba – Selfish! Holding on to the ball for too long. Twice he failed to spot Daka’s run. Time to for him to follow the likes Emmanuel Chabula and Collins Sikombe into international retirement. Club football is different to international.

Coach

Beston Chambeshi – Rolled back the years with a 4-4-2 formation and got his rewards against a poor opposition. While it was breathing whenever Zambia was attacking, the formation left Zambia porous and exposed at the back.

On Tuesday in Tunis, he needs to start with a three man midfield of either Dickson Chapa/Kelvin Kapumbu, Emmanuel Banda and Rally Bwalya/Klings Kangwa.

Sacrifice either Lubambo or Evans Kangwa and then go with Fashion Sakala on the left with Daka as a lone striker

Chambeshi started with five players from his class of ’17 -Daka, Chiluya, Banda, Fashion and Sakala. Solomon Sakala was unused substitute. Had injuries not ruled out Enock Mwepu and Edward Chilufya, it could have been half of team from the ‘Bola na Lesa’ fame.