Former Zambian defender Hichani Himonde has said building a strong defensive partnership takes some time, as the players need to first create chemistry.

Reacting to Zambia’s cleansheet against Togo on Tuesday in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Himonde stated that the pairing of Ricky Chanda and Dominic Chanda looks stable but can get better with more games.

Zambia beat Togo 2-0 with goals from Albert Kangwanda and Eliya Mandanji, helping the team to rebound from a 3-1 defeat against Algeria. The Desert Foxes lead the table with 4 points, followed by Zambia and Togo, both on 3 points, as Burundi sits bottom with one point.

Chanda partnership will get better

In an interview with BolaNews, Himonde noted that the two centre-backs are still getting to know each other, adding that they looked more coordinated in the Togo match, which was their second match as a pair.

“Dominic Chanda has been part of the team and is one of the experienced in that squad; the fact that he was paired with Ricky, who played for the first time for the senior and managed to keep a cleansheet in their second match, is a positive sign,” he said.

“Defenders need to play together a bit more consistently to be able to understand each other. They played together for the first time in Algeria, and we saw the team concede three goals, but it is expected as they were learning how to move and communicate as a pair.”

Himonde also praised David Hamansenya and Mathews Banda for their offensive contribution in the match.

“The entire backline looks promising, and it is just a matter of time. We saw Mathews assisting the goal Eliya Mandanji scored, and David was involved when we scored the first goal with his long throw. That is what modern defenders are supposed to do,” he stated.