Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys have bowed out of the 2024 COSAFA Cup after putting up one of the worst title defences in the competition’s history.
The Chipolopolo finished at the bottom of Group B, failing to win any matches or score any goals.
BolaNews rates the Chipolopolo players following their first-ever defeat to the Comoros Islands, who secured a 1-0 win over the seven-time champions at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Victor Chabu (6/10): The Nchanga Rangers FC goalkeeper could not keep a clean sheet despite making four top saves against the Comoros.
DEFENDERS
Matthews Banda (6/10): He showed a lot of attacking intent and tenacity on the right flank.
Matthews Chabala (6/10): Chabala couldn’t do enough to stop Ibroihim Djoudja from grabbing the match-winning goal.
Owen Mwamba (7/10): The Mufulira Wanderers FC defender made a number of important blocks and tackles in his defensive area.
Zachariah Chilongoshi (5/10): The left back was replaced by Abraham Siankombo as Zambia tried to push for an equalizer.
MIDFIELDERS
Owen Tembo (6/10): Tembo got a starting berth against the Comoros Islands ahead of the Israeli-based midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu.
Dickson Chapa (7/10): The one time Chapa left the defense to join the midfield, Zambia conceded a goal.
Fredrick Mulambia (5/10): His attacking combinations in midfield were not as fruitful as those we’ve been accustomed to seeing at Power Dynamos FC.
FORWARDS
Jimmy Mukeya (6/10): The striker won a number of fouls for the Chipolopolo Boys on the wing, often dropping deep to help his fullback.
Austin Muwowo (5/10): Muwowo’s outing against the islanders only lasted an hour.
Andrew Phiri (6/10): Phiri had to deviate to the right wing for him to have some meaningful touches on the ball.
SUBSTITUTES
Albert Kangwanda (5/10): The Al Hilal FC forward could not come to Zambia’s rescue this time around.
Saddam Yusuf Phiri (5/10): The 2024 FAZ MTN Player of the Year came into the contest in the 65th minute.
Abraham Siankombo and David Simukonda (N/A): Zambia’s last roll of the die against Comoros was introducing the ZESCO United FC pair.
COACH
Chisi Mbewe (5/10): A tournament to forget for Chisi Mbewe and his technical team, who seemingly failed to find the best and most reliable Copper Bullets XI in South Africa.
READ MORE: Chisi Mbewe explains Zambia poor performance at 2024 COSAFA Cup
