Zambia have booted Tanzania out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification race following a 1-0 victory against the Taifa Stars in Zanzibar. Marking his return to the national team setup, Fashion Sakala netted the winning goal at the Amaan stadium on Wednesday evening.
Evaluating the performances of the Chipolopolo Boys against Tanzania, BolaNews rates each of them out of 10 in their narrow win.
GOALKEEPER
Lawrence Mulenga (7/10): Mulenga did not have to make a lot of saves in Zanzibar but came up clutch when called upon in the 73rd minute, making an outstanding stop to keep Tanzania at bay.
DEFENDERS
Gift Mphande (7/10): The ZESCO United defender put his body on the line on multiple occasions while making some good passes in attack.
Benson Sakala (7/10): Fielded in an unorthodox centre-back position, Sakala earned an important cleansheet against Tanzania.
Kabaso Chongo (8/10): As if his tackles, clearances, and interceptions were not enough, Chongo did not hesitate to supply the attacking line, eventually playing in Lubambo Musonda for Zambia’s goal.
Lubambo Musonda (8/10): The skipper’s return to the starting lineup was a memorable one. He set up Fashion Sakala’s winner with an ingenious trivela pass.
MIDFIELDERS
Kelvin Kapumbu (7/10): Kapumbu silenced his critics with a tidy performance in the middle of the park, filling in Miguel Chaiwa’s boots exquisitely.
Obino Chisala (6/10): For the second game in a row, Chisala was chucked off early despite his positive start to the contest.
Kings Kangwa (6/10): Given his standards, Kangwa was below par against the Taifa Stars, with most of his notable moments coming from set pieces rather than open play.
FORWARDS
Kelvin Kampamba (5/10): The attacker only lasted one half of football, exiting the match for Lameck Banda.
Fashion Sakala Jr. (8/10): Sakala made no mistake when presented with a chance to seal the three points, expertly dispatching his shot into the bottom corner. He netted his 10th goal for the Chipolopolo Boys in his 34th appearance.
Patson Daka (6/10): No shot on target for Daka on the night, but an industrious outing for the striker, who won a good number of fouls, particularly in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Kennedy Musonda (6/10): The Israel-based striker was a positive introduction to the match. His link-up play and recoveries in midfield were top-notch.
Lameck Banda (6/10): He proved to be a handful for Tanzania’s defence, who brought him down at every opportunity.
Emmanuel Banda and Edward Chilufya (N/A): Banda helped the Copper Bullets get over the line while Chilufya, who didn’t touch the ball, got a chance to celebrate the win on the turf at the final whistle.
COACH
Avram Grant (7/10): Heading into this current international window, Zambia were targeting six points from two games and are halfway there. Grant delivered in Zanzibar and will be counting on the 12th man in Ndola against Niger.
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