Zambia’s title defense of the COSAFA Cup suffered an early blow as invitee Kenya notched a 2-0 win against the Copper Bullets at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday.
BolaNews rates the Chipolopolo Boys after their loss to the Harambee Stars.
GOALKEEPERS
Charles Kalumba (6/10): After being sent the wrong way by an early spot-kick, the goal-minder made an important save in the 66th minute against Kenya to keep the scoreline decent.
DEFENDERS
Brian Chilimina (4/10): The right-back was guilty of ball-watching as he allowed Patrick Otieno to get on the end of a low cross in the box and double Kenya’s lead.
Chitoshi Chinga (5/10): A schoolboy error from Chinga resulted in a penalty kick for the invitees, which they converted to go in front just seven minutes into the contest.
Kilian Kanguluma (7/10): The Kabwe Warriors FC defensive kingpin displayed tenacity and aggression at the back to wipe out danger in the box.
John Chishimba (5/10): He did not offer enough defensive solidity in his fullback role, nor did he contribute significantly in attack.
MIDFIELDERS
Kelvin Kapumbu (5/10): It was a frustrating evening for the Chipolopolo skipper, who lost his cool in the closing stage of the contest before getting sent off.
David Simukonda (7/10): The youngster made some vital tackles in the middle of the park on his senior debut for the Chipolopolo.
Saddam Yusuf Phiri (5/10): When Phiri was given the chance to impact the game with set pieces, his deliveries were not on par.
FORWARDS
Fredrick Mulambia (6/10): The Power Dynamos FC playmaker tried to get the defending champions going with some clever runs and combinations upfront.
Albert Kangwanda (7/10): Kangwanda created a host of decent chances with his dangerous crosses from the right wing, but no teammate could get on the end of them.
Ricky Banda (7/10): Not many opportunities to score for the striker, but he was quite impressive at dropping deep to link up play and win crucial fouls.
SUBSTITUTES
Abraham Siankombo (6/10): The ZESCO United FC star tried to create openings in attack and unlock Kenya’s stern defence, but to no avail.
Andrew Phiri (5/10): Phiri nearly grabbed a consolation for the Chipolopolo when his thumping shot was parried away by the opposition goalkeeper.
Austin Muwowo and Owen Tembo (N/A): The Power Dynamos FC duo was introduced late on in a last-ditch effort to salvage a positive result.
COACH
Chisi Mbewe (6/10): Fresh from winning the domestic double, Mbewe named a Chipolopolo XI dominated by Red Arrows FC stars. However, despite winning plenty of set-pieces, his team failed to convert any of them. Zambia has a lot of work to do to win the COSAFA Cup from this position.
