Patson Daka scored twice on Friday night to move up to 10th place in Chipolopolo’s all-time goal scorers list as Zambia defeated Congo Brazzaville at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola.

In their first Group E match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, Zambia needed to get off to the ideal start. The Avram Grant team overcame a 2-1 deficit to defeat Congo 4-2 in the end.

In the fifth minute, Daka scored his 16th international goal with an assist from Emmanuel Banda. But the dream quickly turned into a nightmare as the Red Devils scored twice through Silvere Ganvoula and Mons Bassoumina in the 13th and 15th minutes.

The Chipolopolo, seeking an equalizer, came near at the thirty-minute mark when Lameck Banda’s shot struck the crossbar. Fashion Sakala thought he had leveled the scores, in the 36th minute, but his goal was ruled offside.

Lameck Banda inspired a vital comeback

The Chipolopolo found the goal they needed to begin the comeback when US Lecce’s Wizard Banda dazzled in the 18-yard with a world-class finish to take the score to 2-2 at halftime.

The first-half finish inspired the home side to search for the goal that would put them back in the lead and Sakala scored in the 69th minute for his 8th goal for the national team.

Then, Daka took advantage of some careless defense from the visitors to secure a brace and his 17th goal for Zambia, becoming the tenth-highest scorer for his country.

READ ALSO: Zambia player ratings against Congo Brazzaville.

Zambia will play Niger in their second World Cup qualifying match, which takes place in Morocco on Tuesday of next week.