The Zambia U17 national team on Saturday afternoon were held to a 1 – 1 draw by visiting South Africa in an international friendly as they stepped up preparations for next month’s Niger 2015 CAF Championship.
Captain of the side Patson Daka scored Zambia’s lone goal to level matters after South Africa had taken the lead in the first half.
Zambia were the first to settle in the game and pressed the visitors however they created few chances in front of goal with Enock Mwepu coming close in the 8th minute.
The Amajimbos did not take long to settle in the game and they showed a lot of tactical discipline with steady build ups and quick interchanges.
However they found it difficult to break down the Zambians who played a high pressing game with the midfield anchored around debutant Nsonsa Sunzu, the young brother to Stopilla Sunzu, who had a spectacular game.
The first clear chance of the game however fell to the visitors who opened the Zambian defence in the 10th minute but Salati Lungu who was outstanding at the heart of the defence was quick to block the ball for a corner.
It was not long before South Africa broke the deadlock after some poor organisation in defence which saw a corner kick find Liam Jordan unmarked at the far post to head home for the opener in the 16th minute.
Zambia did not have to wait long for the equaliser as influential captain Daka got the ball on top of the box and did not hesitate to rifle home in the 28th minute.
Zambia continued to curve out openings but they continued to be wasteful in front of goal Daka, Pumulo Siwanga, Musonda Siame and Mwepu all coming close for the half to end with both teams square.
Coach Chris Kaunda gave new call up Maybin Kalengo a ran at the start of the second half when he came in for Pumulo and the debutant showed good running and strength on the ball.
With the rain pouring down heavily in the last minutes, South Africa ended the strongest and could have walked away with a win but for their poor finishing.
While there were positives to take home, it was clear from the game that coach Kaunda has a lot to do to get his team in shape.
Good preparation for junior chipolopolo
Partison daka was very very dangerous but he was not being helped by jersey 8 and 20 who were nothing but passengers.