The Chipolopolo Boys were held to a 1-1 draw by Burundi in the first of two 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification matches between the two nations on Friday.
Edward Chilufya’s clever strike was cancelled out by Jean Girumugisha’s effort at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
BolaNews presents the individual player ratings of the Zambian men’s national team in their stalemate with the Swallows on Friday.
GOALKEEPER
Willard Mwanza (7/10): A couple of top saves from the Power Dynamos shotstopper kept the visitors at bay in Ndola. He was also quick to run off his line and distribute the ball to initiate attacks.
DEFENDERS
Mathews Banda (6/10): The fullback played a few tasty crosses into the box but could not find a teammate.
Ricky Chanda (7/10): His timely defensive interventions proved crucial for the Chipolopolo Boys.
Dominic Chanda (7/10): A clearance off the line highlighted a solid performance from Chanda at the back.
David Hamansenya (6/10): Hamansenya was combative in both halves of the pitch.
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (6/10): He did not command the ball enough in the first proceeding but influenced the game more as the match progressed.
Prince Mumba (6/10): He broke up play and linked up well in certain phases of the match.
FORWARDS
Albert Kangwanda (6/10): Kangwanda made amends for missing a clear cut chance by setting up Chilufya’s goal.
Edward Chilufya (7/10): He ghosted into the box to put Zambia ahead in the 64th minute in astute fashion.
Fashion Sakala (4/10): Sakala did not turn up at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Derrick Bulaya (4/10): A quiet performance from the striker, trusted to lead the attacking line.
SUBSTITUTES
Eliya Mandanji (6/10): The youngster offered more than the starting striker, linking up well with his fellow attackers.
Zephaniah Phiri and Gift Mphande (both 6/10):
The duo came on late, with Phiri offering some good runs on the wings and Mphande complementing Chaiwa in the middle of the park.
Wilson Chisala (5/10): Chisala came on to give Zambia some legs in midfield as they pushed for a late winner.
COACH
George Lwandamina (6/10): Some controversial picks in the starting XI as Zambia struggled to gain an early foothold on the game despite being at home.
