The Chipolopolo Boys were torn to shreds by Argentina, losing 5-0 in an international friendly played at La Bombonera on Wednesday. Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock before Lionel Messi added another prior to the halftime whistle.
A Nicolas Otamendi penalty, a Dominic Chanda’s own goal, and a Valentin Barco strike capped off the victory.
BolaNews presents the match ratings of the Copper Bullets players in their humbling defeat to Argentina.
GOALKEEPER
Willard Mwanza (5/10): A few decent moments between the sticks but Mwanza shipped five goals on the day, the most in his Chipolopolo career.
DEFENDERS
Fredrick Mwimanzi (4/10): A tough night for Mwimanzi, who was chasing shadows at La Bombonera.
Tinkler Sinkala (4/10): Sinkala struggled to cope with Argentina’s formidable frontline.
Dominic Chanda (4/10): He made some vital defensive interventions, but they were not enough to thwart Argentina.
Obino Chisala (5/10): Defending as a fullback doesn’t get tougher than facing Lionel Messi. Chisala couldn’t stop the Argentine sensation.
MIDFIELDERS
Wilson Chisala (5/10): He was a passenger in the middle of the park, chasing after the ball the entire match. Chisala, however, did make some important defensive contributions.
David Simukonda (5/10): Simukonda had a bright start vs Albiceleste but couldn’t mantain that level of performance as the match progressed.
Given Kalusa (4/10): The youngster had a quiet game before exiting the match at the hour mark.
FORWARDS
Fashion Sakala (4/10): On a number of occasions, Sakala started some good runs from deep but they didn’t lead anywhere.
Albert Kangwanda (5/10): He created Zambia’s biggest chance of the match, setting up Mutandwa’s ferocious strike, but was guilty of conceding a penalty.
Kingstone Mutandwa (5/10): Playing his first match for Zambia since 2024, Mutandwa forced a remarkable save out of Emi Martinez, registering Zambia’s only shot on target.
SUBSTITUTES
Owen Tembo (4/10): Tembo was brought in to steady the ship but Argentina still commanded the lion share of possession.
Patson Daka (5/10): Daka introduced some energy in the match but it could not translate into scoring opportunities.
Chanka Zimba (5/10): A debut for the new Chipolopolo hitman, who was physical upfront, contesting aerial duels passionately.
Pascal Phiri (4/10): Too little too late for the Egyptian-domiciled winger.
Kondwani Chiboni and Fredrick Mulambia (N/A): The Power Dynamos FC duo came on in the dying embers of the contest.
COACH
George Lwandamina (4/10): Not the worst performance despite what the scoreline suggests. Lwandamina will hope the Chipolopolo Boys have learnt one or two lessons from the outing against the world champions.
READ ALSO: Zambia thrashed 5–0 by Argentina as Messi shines in Buenos Aires
