A year later, after switching his international allegiance to Zambia, Scotland-based defender Frankie Musonda, who plies his trade in the Scottish Championship with Ayr United, has become an instant fan favourite.
Musonda who was rock solid for the Chipolopolo Boys in their back-to-back victories over Lesotho on Thursday last week and Sunday has now made four appearances for Zambia and could be on his way to his dream Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia thrashed Lesotho 3-1 in Ndola before completing a double at the Dobsonville stadium in South Africa with a 0-2 win courtesy of a Patson Daka brace.
Chipolopolo now leads Group H with 9 points, one more than Ivory Coast, who are second with 7 points and a game in hand.
Lesotho crashed out of the race, while Comoros sit third with 4 points and are still aiming to spoil the party for Zambia.
Musonda was one of Avram Grant’s most outstanding players in the two AFCON qualifier matches as he completed the most passes, 99 in the first match and 84 in the second leg.
Six points and fans excite Musonda
Meanwhile, Musonda has said that he was happy with the back-to-back wins but urged his teammates not to relax.
“We are happy that we collected maximum points. What is important is not to relax but continue pushing hard until it is confirmed that we are going to the Africa Cup,” Musonda was quoted by the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper.
He was also impressed with the number of fans that turned out to support the team both at home and away.
“The support from soccer fans was amazing in Ndola, they came in numbers to support us. Even here in South Africa it felt like we were playing at home because fans came in numbers. I am happy I have been with the team for a year now and we have bonded well with everyone.”
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The Chipolopolo, who have missed the last three Africa Cups, will be hoping that Ivory Coast beats Comoros again on Tuesday so that they only need a point in their next match to qualify.
If the result of that match goes otherwise, they will need at least four points to confirm their qualification.
Zambia will resume AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast at home in June before traveling to Comoros for their group final match.
