Patson Daka salvaged a point against Tanzania for 10-man Zambia to give them some hope of qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Taifa Stars scored 11 minutes into the game through Simon Msuva, who finished with a powerful strike.
BolaNews rates the performances of the Chipolopolo Boys in the 1-1 draw.
GOALKEEPER
Lawrence Mulenga (6/10): The Power Dynamos FC shot-stopper could do little to stop Tanzania’s thunderbolt into the top corner but produced a crucial save in the second half.
DEFENDERS
Benedict Chepeshi (5/10): Chepeshi did not show signs of being the permanent solution to Zambia’s right-back problem.
Stopilla Sunzu (7/10): Sunzu stretched every inch of his 6-foot frame to make vital clearances and clutch tackles.
Frankie Musonda (7/10): The Remote Controller’s ability to read and intercept the runs of Tanzanian attackers was second to none.
Roderick Kabwe (3/10): The captain’s armband was probably an ounce too heavy for Kabwe. Despite being already booked, the left-back committed to a clumsy challenge on the touchline and saw red.
MIDFIELDERS
Kelvin Kapumbu (3/10): Just when the Chipolopolo faithful were beginning to think Kapumbu was the long-term replacement for Nathan Sinkala, the midfielder dropped an abysmal performance in which he gifted Tanzania the opening goal.
Kings Kangwa (5/10): Kangwa showed signs of being a player who has been lacking game time at club level. From clumsy passes to tired tackles, the playmaker’s performance was one to forget.
Emmanuel Banda (7/10): After underwhelming in the first half, the General got some fuel into his tank as he worked his socks off to cover for the numerical deficit. He also made some important passes into the final third.
FORWARDS
Fashion Sakala (5/10): Sakala missed a header from a point-blank range to equalize for the Copper Bullets in the first half.
Lameck Banda (8/10): From fashioning Zambia’s first shot on target to toying with defenders on the wing. Banda created the most chances of the match (3) and gave his all.
Patson Daka (8/10): Just when all hope was lost for the Copper Bullets, Daka came to Chipolopolo’s rescue with a late equalizer. Despite missing a one-on-one with the keeper, his goal was vital and earned him a man of the match award.
SUBSTITUTES
Lubambo Musonda (6/10): The captain came off the bench to fill in for Roderick Kabwe at left-back.
Kennedy Musonda (6/10): The Tanzanian-based attacker lifted the spirit of the Copper Bullets upon his introduction on the pitch alongside Clatous Chama. His aggressiveness upfront put the Tanzanians under extreme pressure.
Clatous Chota Chama (7/10): The playmaker grabbed an assist against the Taifa Stars. Chama’s exquisite delivery was met by Patson Daka’s head to put the Chipolopolo on level terms against Tanzania.
Miguel Chaiwa and Edward Chilufya (5/10): No sooner were the pair introduced on the pitch than the Chipolopolo got an equalizer. The duo introduced so much enthusiasm to the Copper Bullets late on. They brought in the urgency which the Chipolopolo needed.
COACH
Avram Grant (6/10): Despite being expected to dominate the match from start to finish, Grant’s men were too slow and predictable from the onset. The Chipolopolo gaffer should, however, be given credit for the game-changing substitutions. Grant needs to get his side ticking if they are to produce an upset against Morocco.
