Tanzania came within minutes of their first ever Africa Cup of Nations victory at the 2023 edition on Sunday but a late Patson Daka equalizer saved a point for Zambia in their 1-1 draw with the Taifa Stars in Group F. Simon Msuva opened the scoring for Tanzania in the first half, who had a numerical advantage for the entirety of the second half but failed to take advantage following a second yellow card issued to Zambia captain Roderick Kabwe. A disappointing result for Zambia leaves them needing a victory against Morocco on Wednesday while it is the same situation for Tanzania against DR Congo.
Zambian supporters expected their heavily favored side to attack but a nightmare start left Chipolopolo down just after the ten minute mark. Midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu received a pass under heavy duress and Tanzania midfielder Himid Mao Mkami won the ball off the ZESCO United player, sparking a three on two attack where Mbwana Samatta passed to Msuva for an excellent finish above Zambia goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga.
The early goal played right into a defensive minded Tanzania’s hands, who put numbers behind the ball and found much success frustrating Chipolopolo attacks. Zambia winger Lameck Banda was a bright spot and did brilliantly to create space on the right wing in the 31st minute. However his excellent floated cross to the far post was spoiled by Fashion Sakala who somehow directed his header wide from close range.
Frustration only increased for Zambia just before halftime who found themselves in deeper trouble when captain and left back Roderick Kabwe went in for an ill-advised aerial challenge on Samatta on the sideline. After a momentary delay the referee gave Kabwe his second yellow card of the match and a subsequent red card, reducing Zambia to ten players.
Despite the numerical advantage, Tanzania continued to focus on defending and failed to cause much trouble on the counter attack. Zambia coach Avram Grant made several substitutions to increase Chipolopolo’s attacking capabilities and finally the favorites found a way back level in the 88th minute. Substitute Clatous Chama whipped in a corner kick from the left wing and Daka rose up at the near post for a powerful header that left Tanzania keeper Aishi Manula with no chance as the ball nestled into the corner of the net. Zambia continued to push for a winner but Emmanuel Banda’s shot from distance deep in stoppage time was pushed wide by Manula just before the full time whistle.
Highlights from the Group F clash are below.
Goals of the Match
