In a game where Zambia’smomentum was marred by a lengthy halt and multiple injuries, a defensive masterclass got them over the line against Togo. An early strike by Albert Kangwanda and a late finish by substitute Eliya Mandanji gave the Chipolopolo Boys a 2-0 win over the visitors.
BolaNews rates the individual performances of the Copper Bullets in their victory over the Hawks at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Willard Mwanza (8/10): The goalkeeper made amends for a subpar performance against Morocco, making a stunning save vs Togo to keep Zambia ahead and register a cleansheet.
DEFENDERS
Mathews Banda (9/10): The sheer will and resilience to recover from being stretched off twice with an injury to making a glorious sprint and assist late on was absolutely remarkable.
Ricky Chanda (8/10): Chanda put his body on the line on multiple occasions to keep a shutout on his home debut.
Dominic Chanda (8/10): The Power Dynamos centre back was a powerhouse in defence thwarting multiple opportunities that would have resulted in a goal.
David Hamansenya (8/10): The youngster should have walked away with an assist after putting the ball on a plate for Kingstone Mutandwa. He was also unbeatable defensively.
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (7/10): He broke up play adeptly in the middle of the park before getting injured.
Obino Chisala (5/10): Not a flashy performance from Chisala but some good touches in midfield.
David Simukonda (6/10): Simukonda linked up well with his wingers and fellow midfielders. The youngster also pressed well upfront.
FORWARDS
Fashion Sakala Jr. (6/10): Sakala walked away with an assist vs Togo but lost his flamboyance as the game progressed.
Albert Kangwanda (9/10): Kangwanda scored a sensational half volley to put Zambia in front and created a big chance for Mutandwa.
Kingstone Mutandwa (5/10): Everything but the finish for Mutandwa, who worked his socks off when out of possession but missed two big opportunities.
SUBSTITUTES
Joseph Liteta (7/10): His best performance in a Chipolopolo shirt. The midfielder made life difficult for Togo in the middle of the park.
Owen Tembo (7/10): Alongside Liteta, Tembo prevented the visitors from gaining momentum with the ball.
Lameck Banda (6/10): Banda nearly scored just seconds after coming on but for his goal bound shot being blocked by a defender.
Ghampani Lungu (6/10): Lungu offered some energy and cover on the right flank with Mathews Banda nursing an injury.
Eliya Mandanji (7/10): A perfect cameo for the teenager who killed the game with his first ever senior goal for Zambia.
COACH
George Lwandamina (8/10): The way he managed the game with his substitutions and tactical setup was top notch.
