Zambia secured AFCON qualification following an impressive 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday in a filled-to-capacity Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
After failing to qualify for the previous three AFCON editions, Avram Grant’s men needed a point to secure qualification but grabbed 3 points to make a statement as they made their return. The home crowd was sent into pure ecstasy at the sound of the final whistle.
Goals from Patson Daka and Kings Kangwa including an own goal by Serge Aurier were enough for the Chipolopolo to win.
Bolanews rates Zambia’s players in the game in that match out of 10.
Goalkeeper & Defender
Lawrence Mulenga (9/10): He may have just secured his place in between the sticks. The man thrown into the starting lineup to replace Toaster Nsabata delivered a masterclass in goal. His quick reactions at the start of the game ensured Zambia did not concede early in the game. If he continues with performances like these, he will most likely be Zambia’s number one at the AFCON.
Tandi Mwape(7/10): Operating as a right-back, the TP Mazembe man put in a solid performance at the back.
Frankie Musonda(6/10): Calm and collected at the back, the defensive pairing of him and veteran defender Sunzu looked solid. He used his height to his advantage by winning 2 out 2 of aerial duels. Musonda had the least touches of any outfield player (20) despite playing 90 minutes.
Stopilla Sunzu (7/10): What a way to make your return to the national team, his experience in this game came in handy. The China-based defender put his body on the line to deny the Ivorians a goal. He read the game extremely well.
Rodrick Kabwe (8/10): Made the most tackles in the game. Kabwe’s presence was essential in ensuring the opposition’s attack didn’t infiltrate Chipolopolo’s back line from the left wing. Had a brilliant game in defense as well as in attack.
Midfielders
Kelvin Kampumbu (7/10): Operated quietly as a defensive midfielder in the middle of the park, and was essential in ensuring Zambia maintained possession. He delivered a resounding performance.
Kings Kangwa(9/10): Their moments when Kangwa moves like Zinédine Zidane with the ball at his feet. The pitch was his canvas and he was just simply an artist, he delivered a man-of-the-match performance. Not only did he initiate Zambia’s attacks, and made a series of interceptions in the game. He scored the third goal to put the game beyond reach for the opponents who were having a timid game.
Emmanuel Banda (8/10): His devilish pass led to Zambia’s first goal, and showed quality each time he had the ball at his feet. He would have capped off a brilliant performance with a goal if it didn’t hit the woodwork. Banda dominated the midfield making the likes of Franck Kessie shrink in the game.
Attackers
Fashion Sakala(6/10): The Rangers FC forward caused havoc throughout the game but he was not at his usual best. Their moments in the game when he made the wrong decisions, and his attempts on goal were blocked. His timid showing came to an end when he was replaced by Lameck Banda in the latter stages of the game.
Patson Daka(8/10): The Leicester City frontman’s definitely a different man when he plays for the national team. He scored his 12th for the national team in his 33rd appearance. The former Kafue Celtics frontman made the most out of the opportunities presented to him, finding the back on the net once and was a menace in attack.
Lubambo Musonda (7/10): Captain fantastic, the skipper was lively throughout the game. Chipolopolo fans got the chance to see him play after he was taken off in the 13th minute in Avram Grant’s first game in charge due to an injury. He was a wizard in the wing, creating the most chances (3) in the game. If this was another game would have easily gotten an assist or two.
Substitutes & Coach
Lameck Banda(5/10): It didn’t take long for the US Lecce rapid winger to showcase his dribbling ability. He almost got his name on the show sheet despite making a cameo appearance in the game. He came on in the 89th minute but showed some razzmatazz with the ball at his feet.
Rally Bwalya(N/A): Came on in additional time as a tactical substitution, due to limited time he obviously couldn’t quite impose himself on the game.
READ MORE: Avram Grant reveals what he told the players before defeating Ivory Coast
Avram Grant(9/10): It was his third game in charge of Zambia and the boys delivered a masterclass against a huge opponent. Despite the surprise additions and hesitation to make substitutions, many fans were pleased with his selection. Boasting over 5 decades of experience in football, he has delivered a ticket to Abidjan to secure Chipolopolo’s long-awaited return to the highest echelon of continental football.
