The Zambian men’s national team responded to their narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt by dismantling Uganda 3-0 on Tuesday.
A brace from Leicester City striker Patson Daka, sandwiched by a Fashion Sakala header, was enough to secure the Copper Bullets’ commanding win over the Cranes.
A number of Chipolopolo stars came to fold on Tuesday as Bolanews rated the performances of the Copper Bullets in their 3-0 obliteration of Uganda.
GOALKEEPER
Francis Mwansa (7/10): After being denied a clean sheet at the death against Egypt, Mwansa was determined to keep Uganda out at all costs.
DEFENDERS
Zephaniah Phiri (8/10): The Prison Leopards man had a night to remember in Dubai after grabbing two assists. Phiri delivered a stunning pass for Fashion Sakala’s headed goal before setting up Daka’s second goal with another cross.
Stopilla Sunzu (8/10): Sunzu is what you would call a Rolls Royce of a defender. Alongside his ability to play out from the back, the defender dealt with every dangerous ball very effectively.
Dominic Chanda (7/10): The Cranes of Uganda could not fashion any clear-cut opportunity against Zambia despite their spells of possession. Chanda partnered well with Sunzu to intercept and clear every loose ball.
Roderick Kabwe (7/10): Zambia’s skipper on the night had a lot of work to do at the back, particularly in the first half when Uganda tried to push for an equalizer.
MIDFIELDERS
Golden Mafwenta (7/10): The Czech-based midfielder enjoyed a decent performance in his first start for the senior men’s national team.
Emmanuel Banda (7/10): Banda’s tank never runs out of fuel. The playmaker worked his socks off in the middle of the park to keep Uganda honest.
Kings Kangwa (8/10): Kangwa won the penalty that got the Chipolopolo to a perfect start against the Cranes.
Edward Chilufya (7/10): Chilufya was able to showcase his skill and trickery against the Cranes of Uganda.
Fashion Sakala: (7/10): The Al Fayha man made amends for a missed chance earlier on by giving the Chipolopolo a 2-0 cushion in the 63rd minute.
Patson Daka (8/10): Daka was back among the goals after a quiet outing against Egypt. His brace against Uganda saw him move one goal away from breaking into the top 10 all-time scorers for the Zambian men’s national team.
SUBSTITUTES
Clatous Chama (6/10): No sooner was Chama introduced onto the pitch than the Copper Bullets began to fire on all cylinders. The midfielder’s combination play in the middle of the park was spot on.
Kelvin Kampamba, Benedict Chepeshi, and Evans Kangwa (N/A): Kampamba nearly set up Patson Daka’s hat-trick-clenching goal when the striker headed wide. Chepeshi and Evans Kangwa also joined the party as Zambia began to toy with Uganda’s midfield and defense.
Francisco Mwepu and Rally Bwalya (N/A): The pair was introduced late on for the second consecutive match to get some minutes into their tanks.
COACH
Avram Grant (8/10): Grant finally got his boys to yield a positive result alongside their performances. His introductions off the bench offered a spark that ignited Zambia’s dominant display against Uganda towards the end of the match.
READ MORE: Malawi’s Cosafa success attributed to Prophet Bushiri’s millions
The 3-0 victory over the Cranes offers a foundation as the Chipolopolo prepare for AFCON 2023 and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
