Chipolopolo dispatched Congo-Brazzaville to a convincing 3-1 defeat in their opening game of the Antalya Cup friendly tournament in Turkey on Friday.
Zambia dominated Congo after a shaky start early in the 6th minute after they were saved by the post when Benni Makouana saw his shot hit the post and cleared following some miscommunication between goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and new boy Aime Mabikla.
The match also saw Mabika of USA MLS club Inter Miami and Scotland second division side Raith Rovers defender Frankie Musonda impress in central defence on their debut.
Zambia took the lead in the 18th minute through captain Enock Mwepu who converted a penalty that Lameck Banda had won after he was fouled by Bradley Mazikou.
Chipolopolo extended their lead in the 24th minute through Kilngs Kangwa who finished off a sweeping move he had started that involved a Clatous Chama cheeky backheel pass to Enock Mwepu who supplied the final assist to the midfielder of Russian club Arsenal-Tula.
But Congo cut Zambia’s lead in the 32nd minute when Guy Mbenza converted a penalty after Roderick Kabwe had fouled Prince Ibrana.
That is how the two sides went into the break and the third goal was special in the 63rd minute when Musonda scored his debut goal to seal a dream start in a Zambia shirt.
Musonda punished Congo for some poor marking when he tapped in the ball on the far right post after latching on to a long-range free kick on the left side of the pitch from Kabwe.
Chipolopolo were not really bothered by Congo and dominated possession even in their own half well into the final whistle.
Zambia are back in action this Sunday against Benin at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo’s win comes after coach Aljosa Asanovic began his reign with a 3-1 away loss to Iraq in Baghdad on March 18.
Brazzaville is not a team to be proud to beat. Anyway tuli pa Chicagos reloaded to celebrate
After losing so much any victory is welcome
Let’s have more winable friendlies like this. Winning builds the team’s and the coach’s confidence going into the Afcon qualifiers in June. To Mr Enock Mwepu: you are a good man, you played well. For that I offer to buy you a refreshing soft drink in the Churchill Square Shopping Centre (or even on the sea on the Brighton Pier) the next time I am in Brighton.
Lets get back to wr we used to be.Lets go Chipolopolo
Zambian European exports rarely having game time for their teams. This despite DSTV always advertising them and their teams. I cannot recall when I last saw Daka, Sakala or Mwepu feature for their respective teams. It is very likely we might have another Mayuka embarassment coming soon.