Chipolopolo Boys interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina was impressed with the performances of his players against Algeria on Friday.
Despite suffering a 3-1 defeat, Lwandamina praised his players for their resilience on a tough North African night.
“It was a tough match and the boys played well. Away from home, it wasn’t easy for them, but they fought to the bitter end,” Lwandamina said.
Lwandamina surprised many with his starting line up as he opted for untried European based players over the experienced local players.
Estonia based defender Ricky Chanda made his debut and partnered Power Dynamos’ Dominic Chanda in central defence with Czech based duo Mathews Banda and Hamansenya preferred at full backs.
Al Merriekh’s Obinno Chisala was an unused substitute.
In midfield, Lwandamina opted for the Euro flavour as Miguel Chaiwa was paired with his former Atletico Lusaka teammate Joseph Liteta.
Swiss based striker Kingstone Mutandwa led the line alongside Patson Daka with Fashion Sakala and Albert Kangwanda on the flanks.
Zambia had the worst start after conceding in the first minute.
Despite that early setback, the Chipolopolo Boys picked themselves and showed character in a hostile territory.
It was until Daka picked what looked like a soft tissue injury and was replaced by David Simukonda that cracks started showing.
Skipper Fashion Sakala found a deservedly equaliser on the hour mark but that was outdone by goalkeeper Willard Mwanza’s a terrible mistake, his second of the night to give the Desert Foxes a goal.
“A few mistakes, of course, and we were punished. Injuries also affected us. We had to make changes which we wouldn’t have made, and that cost us the game,” he added.
Libya based Lameck Banda, Owen Tembo and Gamphani Lungu came on late but it was too late as Algeria ran out 3-1 on the night.
