George Lwandamina has saluted veterans Isaac Chansa and Christopher Katongo for making a big impact in Zambia’s opening day Group D win at the 2016 CAF African Nations Championship in Rewanda.
Zambia toiled to a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in Rubavu courtesy of a 58th minute goal from Chansa.
Chansa’s goal also catapulted Zambia to the summit of Group D after match-day-one to hand Chipolopolo a two-point lead heading into Saturday’s penultimate round of matches.
“The experience of Chris and Isaac was very good for the team and they worked well together,” Lwandamina said.
“It was very important for us to start with a win because it will shape our destiny and bring morale in the team.
“We won’t relax. We still have games so we will work more and more.”
Zambia now turn their gun-sights on The Cranes Uganda on January 23 who drew 2-2 with Mali in their Group D opening game later on Tuesday at the same venue.
I recall a time when teams like Zim were cannon fodder for Zambia but now since our football has remained stagnant even such teams are a big challenge now!!
Kabili Insala ba leta ba PF, our boys are running on empty stomachs!!
I remember from the Times of Francis Shonai, Peter ndlovu, etc Zimbabwe used to give Zambia problems. I remember a time when Zimbabwe had not lost a match at home for over a year, Kalu, Gibby Mbasela, Kapambwe Mulenga and the boys could only manage a draw. from a kalu lone goal Header.
Well done chipolopolo boys.namely chris,chansa and the team,go go go boys.
Well done, but….. Look, Chris and Isaac have brought temporal excitement. The two players are not helping improve football because they are in the very evening of their careers. We need to groom youngsters for tomorrow.
Chris Katongo was dismissed from the national team without explanation. Negative rumors surrounded his departure. Don’t you owe him and us an apology for bad mouthing him? Gara Wakateya you are right but the senior players exit should be gradual. Let them groom the young ones who usually crack under pressure in such matches. I think we should maximize our players game contribution. Chris and Isaac play excellent soccer. I remember Kalu playing alone the late Dennis Lota, Hilary Makasa, Mwape Miti etc. It has positive effect on the younger players esteem. Well done Chipolopolo
Our backline is very very porous! George should do something about it ! We survived scare many times. That number 3 and 21, their defending is very questionable. We dont play we referees nowdays. You just have to clear the ball than crying for the referee that you are pulled down or wait for the goalkeeper to stop the ball. If we shall face Uganda or Mali with that backline Chicken will cry and regret !
Yesterday’s match against Zimbabwe was a warm up. We will only be tested on Saturday when we play the Cranes of Uganda who so far have shown good quality and look organised. Ukuteya bola iyakudununa fye nokuipantawila tafyakabombe, unless the Coach rectifies the mistakes early enough before the next match…The boys should learn to put the ball on the ground and should improve on ball control and trapping and above all they seem to succumb to pressure when it comes to aerial balls, the Technical bench should look into that also. First match, a win and three points in the bag, that is great and we are keeping our fingers crossed for the next game. The earlier we qualify to the next round with a match to spare, the better.Go Zambia go…
George is a good leader as well, no one can take this from him.
Bravo Mwisho.
Congrats Chipolopolo boys and coach, George. Don’t relax you have what it takes to bring the cup home once again. Chris and Isaac you have done it before and with God on your side you can do it one more time before you hang your boots.
Am a Zimbabwean and i knew the results even before the match was played. Congratulations to Zambia for teaching our ‘WORRY US’ a lesson. One thing i like about Zambian players is, they are not as pompous and stubborn than Zimbabwean players. Zambian players play soccer like soccer and they dont play to the gallery. Zambia should improve on the physical side. Ugandans and Malians are physically fit and Chipolopolo should be very careful. Chris Katongo was the hero who inspired the youngsters.
Am a Zimbabwean and i knew the results even before the match was played. Congratulations to Zambia for teaching our ‘WORRY US’ a lesson. One thing i like about Zambian players is, they are not as pompous and stubborn like Zimbabwean players. Zambian players play soccer like soccer and they dont play to the gallery. Zambia should improve on the physical side. Ugandans and Malians are physically fit and Chipolopolo should be very careful. Chris Katongo was the hero who inspired the youngsters.
The Problem is the KIDS are not scoring, thats why Chicken was not stupid to have included Chris and Chansa we needed the veterans.