The Zambia U-23 National Team hopes of qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations came crumbling down on Sunday evening following a goalless draw with Egypt.
The Young Pharaohs came into the match with a 2-0 advantage thanks to a win in the first leg with goals from Ibrahim Adel Aly Mohamed and Abdurahman Atef.
Mutapa made three changes to the team that lost in Cairo, John Chishimba, Sharpy Chikondi Njobvu,and Ricky Banda were drafted into the starting line up.
Wilson Chisala and Mathews Chabala were knocked out by suspensions while Emmanuel Chembe dropped to the bench.
Zambia started slow soaking pressure from Egypt with skipper Ibrahim Adel at the centre of the action.
Zambia slowly grew into the match with Golden Mashata being the biggest threat but the final ball was lacking.
A John Chishimba corner almost resulted in an own goal in the 20th minute and eleven minutes later Mashata found Ricky Banda but the Airman failed to connect properly with his shot. The match went to the break level.
In the second half it was more of a balanced affair, Mutapa also introduced Martin Njobvu, Mannah Chiwisa and Jimmy Mukeya and later Patrick Gondwe.
Mukeya tried to produce a moment of brilliance but his effort went wide while Njobvu pulled his header wide twice.
Egypt held on to win 2-0 on aggregate and qualify for the 2023 Morocco U23 AFCON tournament which will take place later this year.
