Photo Credit: COSAFA Media
Zambia are back into a strong position in Group B at the 2023 COSAFA Cup after Chipolopolo defeated Comoros 2-1 on Sunday. Albert Kangwanda scored the match winner in an eventful second half that saw Fredrick Mulambia’s opening goal cancelled out by Affane Djambae of Comoros. Zambia are expected to defeat Seychelles in their Group B match on Tuesday while Comoros need a win against Malawi to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The first half was mostly a stalemate between the teams with some hopeful attempts on goal but few notable events. The concerns of Chipolopolo supporters grew by halftime but Zambia responded with a strong beginning to the second half. In the 51st minute, Mulambia played a quick passing combination with Libamba Moyela before striking an excellent low finish past a diving Salim Velonjara in the Comoros goal.
It was far from a convincing performance for the favored Zambian team and a loss of focus in the defense led to an equalizer for Les Coelacanthes in the 67th minute. A pass from midfielder Ali Mze Moudhoiffar caused a miscommunication between Zambia goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga and defender Samson Mkandawire that allowed Djambae to sneak in, go around Mulenga and finish into an empty goal.
Zambia did get the job done in the end courtesy of a sharp attack in the 74th minute. An incisive pass from Andrew Phiri sent fellow substitute Golden Mashata in on the left wing and his low cross found a wide open Kangwenda for an easy finish to give Zambia three important points. After a defeat to Malawi in their opening match the Chipolopolo are in good shape to advance out of the group as the best ranked second placed team at least even if Malawi wins the group.
Highlights of the match from COSAFA TV are below.
