Zambia’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Sensational Zanaco suffered yet another embarrassing afternoon on Saturday in the domestic League as they were outplayed by their opponents who recently graduated from the Eden University in Konkola Blades.
Konkola Blades drew first blood in the 24th minute through Owen Tembo, whose free-kick went through a poorly organized wall by goalkeeper Racha Kola before Christian Mpoyi completed the shock defeat at Sunset Stadium in the 40th minute.
The ZamFoot Crew now takes a look at the players’ performance in the match.
RACHA KOLA: 6/10
Racha Kola made a poor and disorganized wall that led to a free-kick from Owen Tembo to hit the back of the net.
He was not lucky enough to get away with the second goal and was certainly not helped by his teammates, in what was an unfortunate game for the former Zambian international.
TAONGA BWEMBYA 4.5/10
Taonga Bwembya did not showcase his physical prowess at right-back and did a rather decent job on one occasion.
He was not brave enough in most instances, including failing to strongly mark Christian Mpoyi who headed the ball into the net in the 40th minute.
PETER KALOTA 5/10
The left-back tried his best to make things happen but simply couldn’t go the extra mile. Slightly underwhelming in the first half and dismissed shortly after the kick-off of the second half for two yellow cards.
KEVIN OWUSU 5/10
Kevin Owusu had his worst day for Zanaco. He was not brave enough in most instances, including his careless handball that gave Konkola Blades a free-kick resulting in the opening goal. Got lucky to not receive two yellow cards though.
Not a good performance from the Vice-Captain as he was an unlucky man when his goal was ruled out for offside.
ZIYO TEMBO 6/5
Ziyo Tembo was introduced to add the experience in the Zanaco defense. It didn’t work out all too well for the bankers.
KELVIN KAPUMBU 7/10
Kelvin Kapumbu looked the most promising midfielder for Zanaco and was far too safe with the ball.
ACKIM MUMBA 3.5/10
Ackim Mumba was a bit of a mismatch on the right-hand side, where he was expected to make runs from and provide crosses.
He simply couldn’t stamp his authority on the proceedings and shouldn’t have started in the first place.
SALULANI PHIRI 6.2/10
Constantly wanted the ball and was not afraid to try and dictate possession but he struggled with his side’s lack of momentum in attack.
EMMANUEL MANDA 3/10
Emmanuel Manda didn’t provide anything to the table for Zanaco. He was often too slow to cause any problems for the opponents.
Made life too easy for Blades’s center-backs and not offering any movement whatsoever, and shouldn’t have even started the game.
MOSES PHIRI 7/10
Moses Phiri had a hopeless afternoon against Konkola Blades as he was simply not offered enough support.
It resulted in the Zambian International having to drop back to receive the ball, giving the opposition ample time to isolate him, especially in the first half, as the second half rose to the occasion and fought for a scoring opportunity though it was nowhere to be found.
ABRAHAM SIANKOMBO 6.5/10
Abraham Siankombo made a noticeable impact before he was substituted. He was full of energy and even created a few opportunities and making some strong challenges.
He wasn’t lucky though as his goal was ruled out for offside.
SUBSTITUTES
ERNEST MBEWE 6/10
Ernest Mbewe provided some freshness on Zanaco’s right-wing. Fair play for getting into his good position, he was lucky though not to get into the referees’ book.
EVANS KATEMA 6/10
Probably wasn’t his best game but deserves credit for being the catalyst for Zanaco’s brief improvement in the late second half. Needs more confidence.
CHISAMBA LUNGU 6.5/10
Chisamba Lungu brought in some threats for Konkola Blades after coming on for Salulani Phiri, as far as creativity is concerned.
Despite not scoring, the 2012 AFCON winner tried his best to make things happen but simply couldn’t go the extra mile.
BOYD MUSONDA 4/10
Boyd Musonda struggled to impact the game after coming on for Abraham Siankombo.
COACH KELVIN KAINDU 4/10
His tactics failed him. He couldn’t make changes early despite noticing some of the key areas not providing enough.
He had no hunger of winning the match. He needs more improvement, otherwise, the pressure is already mounting.
