Chipolopolo put their AFCON 2022 race back on the road after a 2-1 home win over Botswana at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
But Chipolopolo had to rally to ensure of their first 3 points in Group H in this match-day-three fixture after Botswana had taken the lead in the 45th minute through Tumisang Orebonye.
Orebonye’s goal came after a wasteful first half by Zambia with Justin Shonga the major culprit.
However, Enock Mwepu equalized two minutes of added time before the halftime whistle.
It was a huge contribution from Mwepu who had arrived just 24 hours before the game after his Austrian club RB Salzburg lifted their Covid-19 lockdown late into the week as match day loomed.
Zambia scored the winner in the 67th minute when in-form striker Collins Sikombe finished off a Fashion Sakala cross from the far right wing.
Sakala’s addition after he replaced Shonga ten minutes earlier brought some much needed bite to Chipolopolo’s attack and Botswana spent most of the half on the back-foot.
Zambia move from bottom to third on 3 points exchanging places with Botswana who have 1 point.
The two sides meet in the November 16 in Francistown with the pressure rising with two rounds left after this Monday’s fixture on the road to Cameroon.
That Micho is a risky… He swapped team, starting line up on bench.
Then he substituted the current Zambian best player Musonda.
We thank you and have faith in our coach. Well done boys. This brings back memories of afcon 2012 when I was in the midst of history making in that final game
Botswana are one team we should have rolled over with a four goal victory margin. Now we have given them confidence they will have their tails up in the return and if we win we will be lucky. Justin Shonga needs a loooooooong break from national team assignments. Call him back when he has developed some hunger.
Poor result considering the fact that Botswana is not a football nation, they like cricket a lot over there. Take the 3pts but improve .
No, you are not correct Chanda. Which cricket ground can you point out in Botswana as compared to football stadia which are all over. National stadium in Gaborone, football, the stadium in F/town which is going to be used, football and of course other multidisplinary sports centers in Molopolole, Serowe, etc. etc. Don’t underate them, be very careful Botswana are an immerging football nation to reckon with.
We have three points in the bag. Lets support the boys to do it in Francistown. Botswana went to Harare and came out with a draw. We need to beat them and hope they in turn beat Zimbabwe.
Coach Micho is on the right track. Both govt and FAZ need to give him necessary support. The friendly games have paid off. The new philosophy is visible. We just lacked the cutting-edge. It’s players the coach did not have much time with that could not clique. Otherwise, it was technically a very good performance which can be built on. All things being equal we can even fancy our chances against Algeria if everyone puts their mind to it. Go fo it. Finish the job in Francis Town and we would be back in contention. Also, aim to erase the GD.