Zambia v Guinea: Player Rater

Following the reindition of the National Anthems and huge roar from the Fans,the stage was set for an epic battle to Open the CAF U20 tournament.

Nerves, pressure, expectations and demands were on the line for both teams especially the home team which has created excitement Locally following their good preparations and results to much the investment from the powers that be.

A 1-nill and 3 points will be welcome after all was said and done.

Step one is done, next will be Mali on Wednesday. The team wasn’t fully convinving but did enough to earn the three points. Considering among other Factors awareness(tactical), possesion, enginuity, application and the pressure at hand we give an assesment and rate the Young boys that made Zambia Proud with the result.

Below is how the ZamFoot Crew’s Franklyn Malambo rated the boys

1.Mangani Banda 7/10-Had little to do but Made an excellent save off a header.

Commanded his area well and calmed the situation whilst chiping away some seconds as he gave his defenders a lecture or two.

Got his distribution well at Most times and showed his experience.

2. Shemmy Mayembe 6/10- Had little to do defensively and should have done more going forward as a result. Covered a lot of ground but had no end Product to show for it. Was exposed twice when possesion was turned over and will be thankful for the cover that was provided.

3.Prosper Chiluya 7.5

For a player playing in the Fist division and Previously deputy to Boyd Mkandawire he has loads of confidence and was unfazed by the big stage. He won back possesion following some negative transitions on four occasions and joined well in the attack. Knew when to go forward and when to keep it tight. Looked like a seasoned Pro and much will be expected going foward.Looked very useful on forward adventures and solid marking.

4. Moses Nyondo 7/10- He hardly put a foot wrong but gets a 7 because at times he didnt really seem to know what to do when he had the ball at his feet: Tried to Venture forward on two occasions but over run the ball and surrendered possesion. Competed favourably aerially and showed great communication with his ccentral defensive partner. Was alway available to receive the ball and provide relief for Mangani and Solomon when Guinea pressed

5. Solomon Sakala 6.5/10- Rock solid and showed leadership from the back. Always refreshing to see a ‘ball Playing’ centre back with well measured and directed passes.Looked calm in the box and afforded himself chance to trap and distribute. Commanded his backline Mates well and a fierce competitor in the tackle.Was strong in the air and took his Man completely out of the game. Can only get better.

6. Boyd Musonda 6.5/10- A lot was expected.He failed to stamp his authority in the middle and his poor positioning made him exposed.
At times went too Much futher forwad giving too much space to guine in the middle and he was Lucky to have a hard to crack Central defense behind him.Got himself an avoidable yellow card because of failure to control the ball and tried to impress too much thereby failing to play his usual game. Must improve.

7. Fashion Sakala 5/10- One is almost tempted to think his initial position did a de-service to him. Failed to affect the game in any way and earn his mark simply for the good tracking back when required to. A poor day at the office.

8. Enock Mwepu 6/10- Fetched and carried possesion forward. Tried to be the link between defence and attack but at times dropped too Much to relieve pressure and also bail out Musonda. Was hard to disposes and was unlucky when his towering header went wide. At times released he ball too early when retention looked a better option. He will do well to play a bit higher on the pitch and make late runs into the box

9. Patson Daka 8/10-Delivered when it mattered most. Had a difficult start to the game and seemed to take matters into his own hands from the early exchanges when he surged forward and was brought down but the ref deemed it a legal challenge. Run the channels well,held up Play;involved others in the Play but should have done better 2 minutes before getting his goal when he had a chance at the near post but completely missed the ball. With all the pressure and prior misses,he did well to keep his nerve and cooly slot past the Guinea keeper for the all important goal. He looks fired Up.

10. Conlyde Luchanga 5/10- He looked good in Possesion the few times he had the ball. It was difficult to see if its his team mates that couldnt find him or he he couldnt get himself in the right spots. Did exceptionally well when he isolated himself on the right wing and went passed 3-4 defenders before squaring the ball which unfortunately wasnt pounced Upon.Looked frustrated when he was substituted and maybe his partnership with Daka still needs polishing and the Bench must make a plan to get more out of him.

11. Edward Chilufya 7/10-Had a good game but maybe not Yet known to Many Fans..if he continues this way,He’ll be famous by Youth day: Unlucky to have both his goals ruled off for offside especially the 2nd goal. Put in a wonderful shif,encouraged the quick interchange and link up play. Tracked back when called Upon and took on the opposition defenders bravely:

SUBSTITUTES- Emmanuel Banda- 8/10– Came on as 1st half substitute but did enough to be My Man of the Match.

Assisted Patson’s goal, had a shot that went narrowly wide;Missed a header and completely changed the game and brought with him hunger,belief and assurance. Moved exceptionally well Box to Box and put up his hand for a starting position on Match day 2 for Zambia. Looked comfortable on the ball and did what substitues are xpected to do:.change games,turn matches on their heads and restore belief