In the opening match of the Egypt 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Zambia played out a goalless draw with debutants Sierra Leone. The Shooting Stars gave the 2017 winners a run for their money, staging a contest with end-to-end chances.
BolaNews presents the player ratings of the Young Chipolopolo in their opener against Sierra Leone on Sunday.
GOALKEEPER
Levison Banda (7/10): The shot-stopper was confident between the sticks commanding his box and making some good saves.
DEFENDERS
Matthews Banda (6/10): Before being substituted off due to an apparent injury, the right-back expertly snuffed out a couple of dangerous balls at the back.
Milimo Nalumango (7/10): Nalumango did hesitate to pursue and shut out Sierra Leone attackers anywhere on the pitch.
Happy Nsiku (7/10): The Red Arrows FC defender was relieved to see his own goal overturned given his decent performance throughout the match.
David Hamansenya (8/10): Despite committing forward to join in attack, Hamansenya always got back in time to cancel out the Shooting Stars’ wingers. He made life difficult for opposition on the right wing.
MIDFIELDERS
Aaron Mbemba Phiri (5/10): With Phiri failing to take full control in the middle of the park, Zambia failed to dominate possession in Ismailia.
David Simukonda (6/10): Simukonda had his moments but was not as influential in midfield as expected.
Perkins Mumba Mwale (5/10): Mwale did not live up to the billing of the player that was the Zambia joint-topscorer at the 2024 COSAFA U20 Cup, alongside Simukonda.
FORWARDS
Pascal Phiri (5/10): It was everything but the finish for Phiri, who outmaneuvered multiple defenders from his own half before getting denied by the goalkeeper.
Joseph Sabobo Banda (7/10): A heavily marked Sabobo tried to conjure up something with his solo runs and shots but to no avail.
Andrew Mulenga (4/10): The striker really struggled upfront, missing a big chance to give Zambia the lead.
SUBSTITUTES
Charles Buyoya (7/10): He was quite industrious at the back since replacing Matthews Banda.
Philimon Chilimina and Elijah Mwandanji (both 5/10): The pair introduced some energy in attack but the Young Chipolopolo could not fashion something decisive.
Emmanuel Mutale (N/A): Mutale came on in the dying embers of the match as Zambia pushed for a winner.
COACH
Boyd Mulwanda (5/10): While his side did not have enough preparation, Mulwanda will need to get back to his drawing board after Sunday’s outing. The boys lacked charisma, coordination and tactical astuteness in their play.
READ MORE: “We Thought We Were Going To Win” – Mulwanda After Goalless AFCON U-20 Opener Against Sierra Leone
