In what is Southern Africa’s most coveted clash, Zambia suffered a 3-1 defeat to South Africa during an international friendly played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Saturday.
Joseph Sabobo Banda got his name on the scoresheet at the death following goals from Appolis Oswin, Nkota Mohau, and Sithole Sphehepo.
The current gulf in the quality between the COSAFA region’s two most decorated nations was very evident.
BolaNews evaluates the performances of the Copper Bullets stars in their defeat to South Africa.
GOALKEEPER
Toaster Nsabata (4/10): He conceded all the three goals against the Bafana Bafana.
DEFENDERS
Gift Mphande (5/10): Mphande had a busy afternoon but could not deliver his usual crosses from the wing.
Benson Sakala (5/10): He made several important clearances and tackles in the first half but eventually succumbed to South Africa’s attacking prowess.
Kabaso Chongo (4/10): He was caught out of position each time under attack.
Obino Chisala (4/10): Starting in defense for the Chipolopolo Boys, Chisala struggled with hosts using his side as their main avenue of attack.
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (6/10): Chaiwa was out doing the dirty work in South Africa, failing to stamp his authority on the midfield.
Gift Siame (4/10): The youngster was the least involved player in the first half and was chucked off early.
Given Kalusa (5/10): He won a couple of fouls in midfield but, like his midfield partners, operated independently with no show of chemistry and proper link-up play.
FORWARDS
Lubambo Musonda (4/10): Another sub-par performance in attack from the skipper.
Fashion Sakala (6/10): He had the finesse and flair, causing problems on the wing, but lacked the cutting edge and decisiveness in front of goal.
Substitute Sabobo scored for Zambia.
Patson Daka (5/10): His link-up play with Sakala was decent early on, acting as a good target man, but there was no real threat from the man carrying all the goalscoring expectations.
SUBSTITUTES
David Simukonda (6/10): The ZESCO United midfielder set up Zambia’s consolation goal against South Africa.
David Hamansenya (6/10): He will be hoping for a starting slot against Angola given his decent outing at left back.
Frankie Musonda (6/10): Musonda was brought on to calm the storm at the back.
Joseph Sabobo Banda (7/10): The winger brought the directness and industry, which was lacking on the right wing, scoring his first senior goal for Zambia.
Kennedy Musonda (5/10): The striker did not get a chance to put his goal-scoring exploits to the test.
Jack Lahne (N/A): Lahne earned his first appearance for his country of birth, Zambia, in the afternoon.
COACH:
Perry Mutapa (4/10): With the quality of the Bafana Bafana, he struggled to get Zambia into the match.
READ ALSO: Bafana Bafana Outclass Chipolopolo boys 2-1 in Friendly Clash.
