Zambia took an important step towards AFCON qualification on Thursday evening, defeating Lesotho 3-1 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
After failing to qualify for the previous three AFCON editions, Chipolopolo supporters were desperate for a response from their troops.
Zambia is now on the verge of qualifying but will need to win at least two more games to do so.
Avram Grant’s men had a litany of chances early in the game but it was Lesotho that opened before Fashion Sakala equalized in the first stanza.
The Chipolopolo came back in the second half all guns blazing as Lameck Banda scored a brace to put the game to bed.
Bolanews rates Zambia’s players in the game.
Goalkeeper & Defender
Toaster Nsabata (5/10): He was responsible for Lesotho’s only goal of the game, as he couldn’t quite hold on to the ball when Tshwarelo Bereng scored from a free kick. He made a huge blunder but nevertheless, he was spectacular throughout the game following his error.
Benedict Chepeshi(7/10): Operating in his familiar right-back position. The Red Arrows defender was on point in stopping Lesotho’s attacks.
Frankie Musonda(8/10): An epitome of composure at the back, he was simply flawless in defence. Used his height to his advantage by winning 3 out 4 of aerial duels. Musonda also completed the most passes (99) in the match. Absolute solid.
Tandi Mwape (7/10): Solid at the back and read the game extremely well by ensuring Lesotho couldn’t get a proper sight in front of the goal.
Rodrick Kabwe (7/10): Took up the armband following Lubambo Musonda’s injury early in the game. Was efficient in defense as well as attack.
Midfielders
Kings Kangwa(8/10): Had a brilliant game, initiated Zambia’s attacks, and was good when intercepting the ball from other opponents. He created the most chances (4) and provided the assist for Zambia’s second goal.
Benson Sakala (6/10): Operated quietly in the middle of the park and was pivotal in ensuring Zambia maintained possession.
Emmanuel Banda (7/10): Showed his quality in ball distribution and was good in offering defensive cover as well as in attack by proving the assist for Zambia’s first goal.
Attackers
Fashion Sakala(8/10): The Rangers FC forward caused havoc throughout the game and did brilliantly to put Zambia on level terms with a venomous shot. He had chances to score more goals but lacked the finishing touch.
Patson Daka(6/10): Had a timid game, largely due to Lesotho’s defense making it difficult for him to infiltrate. The Leicester City man had a few attempts on goal but couldn’t quite put the ball in the back of the net.
Lubambo Musonda (5/10): The skipper was lively but was taken off in the 13th minute due to an injury.
Substitutes & Coach
Lameck Banda(9/10): The US Lecce rapid winger came in to replace Lubambo Musonda and showed everyone why he should have started. Banda was a nightmare for Lesotho throughout the game scoring a brace and completing the most dribbles (7) in the match.
Rally Bwalya(5/10): Came on in the 85th minute but couldn’t quite impose himself on the game looking at the time left.
Avram Grant(8/10): It was his first game in charge and the boys were in full control of the game, many fans were pleased with his selection. Grant, however, showed a little lack of trust in his substitutes but never the less he was brilliant.
RELATED STORY: Zambia thrashed Lesotho 3-1, but Grant wants more
Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo arrived in South Africa this morning ahead of Sunday’s return fixture against Lesotho to be played at Dobsonville in Johannesburg.
