The Chipolopolo Boys maintained their second spot in Group G of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) following their win over Chad.
The Copper Bullets got the best of Chad in Cameroon, securing a 1-0 victory through Kennedy Musonda’s late goal.
BolaNews rates the Zambian players in their narrow win against Les Sao at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Toaster Nsabata (8/10): Lawrence Mulenga will probably be proud of Toaster Nsabata’s performance following his clutch penalty save at the death.
DEFENDERS
Gift Mphande (6/10): Mphande was sacrificed for Joseph Sabobo as Zambia pushed for a winner.
Tandi Mwape (7/10): Meriting a starting berth after putting his ZESCO United FC club teammate Amine Hiver in check, Mwape came up big again.
Kabaso Chongo (7/10): The ex-TP Mazembe defender has arguably been Zambia’s most consistent player in the 2025 AfCON qualifiers so far.
Obino Chisala (8/10): Topped by a stunning long-range shot in the first half, Obino Chisala’s performance was top-notch in his makeshift left-back role.
MIDFIELDERS
Benson Sakala (7/10): He had more recoveries (6) and interceptions (2). Sakala also attempted five tackles than any other Zambian player on the pitch.
Emmanuel Banda (6/10): Banda delivered more final third passes (17) than any other player on the pitch.
Benedict Chepeshi (6/10): Chepeshi started in a much more advanced role, orchestrating midfield play on the right side.
Kelvin Kampamba (5/10): Having won more tackles than any other player on the pitch (4), he ran out of fuel as the game progressed.
Kings Kangwa (7/10): Kangwa created the most chances against Les Sao (4). He also seemingly assisted Kennedy Musonda after the ball he aimed to hit found the Yanga striker.
FORWARDS
Kennedy Musonda (8/10): The Tanzanian-based striker worked his socks off against Chad. His performance was deservedly rewarded with a match-winning goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Joseph Sabobo Banda (7/10): Despite being subbed off in added time, Sabobo impacted the game as he set up assist-provider Kings Kangwa.
Francisco Mwepu (4/10): Luck was not on his side as he conceded a penalty against the opposition side.
Frankie Musonda (N/A): Musonda was thrown on late into the contest to make certain that Zambia collect all three points.
COACH
Avram Grant (7/10): Inspite of his bittersweet relationship with the Zambian faithful, the Israeli gaffer is on the verge of leading Zambia to back-to-back AfCON following an eight-year absence. He has lost just one AfCON qualifier since taking over the Chipolopolo.
