A Patson Daka masterclass handed the Chipolopolo Boys yet another win over Lesotho on Sunday to temporarily top Group H ahead of Ivory Coast and Comoros.
Daka put Zambia in the lead 14 minutes into the game from a Fashion Sakala assist to mark his 10th international goal since making his senior debut for the Chipolopolo.
In the second half, the Leicester City man was set up again by Sakala to tap in Chipolopolo’s second goal from close range in the 69th minute, making the score 0-2 and extending his all-time international goal tally to 11.
It also took Zambia 9 points at the summit of Group H, with only two games remaining.
Ivory Coast is second with 7 points and a game in hand, while Comoros is third with 3 points. Lesotho, on the other hand, is officially out of the race as they remain at rock bottom with just a point.
The Chipolopolo, who have missed the last three Africa Cups, will be hoping that Ivory Coast beats Comoros again on Tuesday so that they only need a point in their next match to qualify.
If the result of that match goes otherwise, they will need at least four points to confirm their qualification for the 2023 edition of the continent’s biggest football showpiece.
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Zambia will resume AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast at home in June before traveling to Comoros for their group final match.