Albert Kangwanda and Eliah Mandanji scored in either half as Zambia secured a 2-0 victory over Togo in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

After a disappointing start to their campaign, losing 3-1 to Algeria last Friday, the Chipolopolo made their intentions clear against Togo, with Kangwanda opening the scoring just two minutes into the game.

The forward unleashed a powerful strike from inside the box after receiving a headed assist from Fashion Sakala. Kangwanda chested the ball before firing into the back of the net to give Zambia an early lead.

Just as the team began to build momentum, the match was interrupted by a power outage that lasted 20 minutes.

Play eventually resumed, but the tempo slowed as the two sides headed into the break with Zambia holding a 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Albino Chisala was withdrawn for Joseph Liteta, while Miguel Chaiwa suffered a knock and was replaced by Owen Tembo.

Togo gradually gained momentum and began to look threatening. Their best chance came when Willard Mwanza left his line to deal with a long-range effort but still managed to stop the shot that was heading towards goal.

Mandanji moment

The majority of the second half was evenly contested, although Zambia created the better chances.

Coach George Lwandamina made further changes, withdrawing Fashion Sakala, David Simukonda and Kingstone Mutandwa for Gamphani Lungu, Lameck Banda and Eliah Mandanji.

With six minutes added, Zambia extended their lead through Mandanji, who received a perfectly delivered cross from Mathews Banda before tapping the ball home to seal the victory for the Chipolopolo Boys.

Zambia now sit second in Group I with three points, level with Togo, who beat Burundi 1-0 in their opening match.

Group leaders Algeria were held to a 2-2 draw earlier on Tuesday afternoon but remain top of the standings with four points.

Zambia’s next match will be against Burundi at home on November 11, 2026.