The Zambia National Team enhanced their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 victory over Lesotho on Thursday in Ndola.
Lesotho took the lead in the 33rd minute through Tshwarelo Bereng, who benefited from a Toaster Nsabata mistake. But the vicious Chipolopolo responded four minutes later through a Fashion Sakala beauty to level the scores before the break.
In the second half, US Lecce FC winger Lameck Banda put up a man-of-the-match performance with a three minutes brace in the 53rd and 56th minute to secure a resounding victory for the Copper Bullets.
Despite having played one more game than second-placed Ivory Coast, Banda’s brace helped Zambia take the lead in Group H.
It was also the first time in over a decade that a player scored a brace to open his international goal-scoring account for Zambia.
Banda impressed coach Avram Grant, who praised him for his impact after coming on as a substitute.
“He came on and scored two goals; he was very lively. He did his job, and that’s what I am expecting from all the players coming off the bench. No doubt Lameck did a very good job today, “stated the gaffer during the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo top the group with six points, while Ivory Coast, who face Comoros on Friday, are second with four points from two games.
Comoros and Lesotho, on the other hand, are third and rock bottom with three points and one point respectively.
Grant wants more improvements in Chipolopolo squad
Meanwhile, coach Grant was happy with the team’s fighting spirit but revealed that there are still improvements needed.
“I think it was a good game, we controlled the game completely,” he said. “I am happy but I think we have a lot of areas to improve.”
“There are a lot of things that I want to improve but one thing is sure, this shows a high fighting spirit and a good mentality because coming back from 1-0 is not easy, they did a good job.”
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Zambia will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday afternoon for the return fixture against Lesotho.
They will hope to record a back-to-back victory over Lesotho and maintain their lead on the log standings in Group H.
