The Pharaohs of Egypt left it late against Zambia’s Copper Bullets. They grabbed a late winner in Thursday’s international friendly, courtesy of Hamdi Fathi.
Despite a spirited performance, the Chipolopolo dropped their guard late on as Egypt secured a 1-0 victory.
Bolanews rates the performances of the Copper Bullets during their assignment against the record holders of AFCON titles.
GOALKEEPER
Francis Mwansa (7/10): There were promising signs that the Green Buffaloes shot-stopper could be Zambia’s number one in the coming years. Despite conceding at the death, Mwansa produced some important saves for the Chipolopolo. He made two crucial saves in the match.
DEFENDERS
Bernard Chepeshi (7/10): Chepeshi should have walked away with an assist, but Kings Kangwa failed to convert his beautiful cross in the 69th minute.
Dominic Chanda (7/10): The Power Dynamos FC summer acquisition left his all on the pitch. He was unfortunately stretchered off with an injury.
Stopilla Sunzu (7/10): Sunzu’s aerial prowess was on full display on Thursday, up until the added time when he was beaten by Fathi in the air as Zambia conceded.
Rodrick Kabwe (8/10): Keeping Mohamed Salah at bay is no easy task, and the left-back lived up to the billing. Despite the defeat, Kabwe will be proud that the Liverpool man left the match empty-handed.
MIDFIELDERS
Kelvin Kapumbu (7/10): Kapumbu has been an impressive partner to Emmanuel Banda and Kings Kangwa in the middle of the pack. He was all over the pitch against Egypt.
Emmanuel Banda (7/10): The midfielder delivered a combative and energetic performance for over an hour. He was later withdrawn for Golden Mafwenta.
Kings Kangwa (7/10): Kangwa should have put Zambia ahead in the 69th minute, as a glorious chance fell to him in the box. However, the playmaker was instrumental in midfield and delivered some good set-piece opportunities that couldn’t be converted.
FORWARDS
Lubambo Musonda (6/10): The captain’s armband provided some extra fuel for the Danish-based star. He was influential both going forward and defensively.
Fashion Sakala (7/10): He was Zambia’s most dangerous player in the first half. The winger almost put the Chipolopolo in the lead after a clever dummy in the 19th minute, but that was denied by the goalkeeper.
Patson Daka (5/10): It was a quiet evening for the Leicester City striker. He didn’t have a lot of chances against the Pharaohs.
SUBSTITUTES
Golden Mafwenta (5/10): The Czech-based midfielder offered some fresh legs in the middle of the park with his charisma and power.
Edward Chilufya and Evans Kangwa (N/A): The duo got some valuable minutes into the tank after coming on in the 80th minute.
Francisco Mwepu and Rally Bwalya (N/A): Francisco and Rally, the bearers of Enock Mwepu’s surname and former shirt number, respectively, both featured late on.
COACH
Avram Grant (7/10): Grant will not be utterly disappointed with the performance of the Copper Bullets. But for the result, the Chipolopolo were impressive against the North Africans. The Israeli gaffer will be hoping for a more effective attacking performance against Uganda.
