Former Zambia national team captain Christopher Katongo praised defender Stopilla Sunzu for taking the lead in Chipolopolo’s first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Chipolopolo Boys began their campaign with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at the Laurent Pokou Stadium.
Kings Kangwa put Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute before Yoane Wissa leveled matters for Congo four minutes later.
However, China-based Jinan Xingzhou defender and 2012 AFCON-winning penalty scorer Sunzu stole the show. He rescued Zambia on several occasions in the match that saw the Congolese attacking from all angles.
The 34-year-old’s experience came in handy to secure a vital point for the Chipolopolo.
Reacting after the match, Katongo took to social media to applaud Sunzu for showing leadership in the match.
“Thank you, Stopilla for showing the boys how solid you was and still is, ” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Pure leadership and experience in the tournament.”
The 2012 BBC African Footballer of the Year is in Ivory Coast as an ambassador for CAF’s AFCON awareness campaigns and has been attached to the Zambian team in San Pedro.
READ MORE: DR Congo coach reveals strategy used to curtail Zambia’s speedy attackers
Zambia will face Tanzania on Sunday in their second Group F match.
They, along with DR Congo, are trailing group leaders Morocco, who defeated Tanzania 3-0 to lead the standings after the first round.
