Swaziland 1-1 Zambia
THE Zambia Under-23 squad yesterday came from behind to hold a much-improved Swaziland in the preliminary round, first leg of the inaugural African Nations Championship (CHAN) played at Somhlolo Stadium in Mbabane.
Swaziland took the lead in the ninth minute through striker, Mbusi Gina, after being gifted by the Zambian defenders.
Gina took advantage of the communication breakdown between defenders, Eugene Shamakamba and Hichani Himoonde, to slot the ball into the net.
After conceding the goal, Zambia re-organised themselves and their efforts almost paid dividends when Reuben Tembo fluffed a Kennedy Mudenda’s cross with only goalkeeper, Njabuliso Simmelane, to beat after a neat build-up.
Coach, Peter Kaumba’s Zambia, who were seemingly unsettled by Swaziland’s early goal, almost got punished again in the 19th minute when Mfanzile Dlamini’s shot was palmed away by goalkeeper, Mike Poto.
After the break, the Zambian team, cheered by Zambians residing in Swaziland, upped the tempo of their game with teenage striker, Emmanuel Mayuka, arguably man-of-the-match, causing havoc in the Swaziland defence.
Zambia finally restored parity in the 70th minute through midfielder, William Njobvu, who connected a Mayuka pass inside the penalty box.
Kaumba’s team continued raiding the hosts’ territory in the final moments of this game but failed to get the winner.
After the match, Kaumba said the early goal that his side conceded disturbed the whole game plan, and hoped that the same mistake would not happen in Lusaka when the two sides meet for the second leg.
“The results are not bad, though we did not win. It was a tough game but I am very optimistic that we will beat the Swaziland national team in the second leg match to be played in Lusaka in a fortnight’s time,” he said.
The coach also attributed to the team’s failure to score more goals to playing on an artificial turf which he said the boys were not used to.
Swaziland coach, Raul Savoy, said he was happy with the performance of his team despite missing many scoring opportunities.
The 34-year-old Swiss-born coach, who is yet to win a match for Swaziland, said his team was capable of winning the return leg in Lusaka after working on a few lapses identified in the first leg.
“We played a better game, and if we work on our mistakes, I thinking we are going to win them in Lusaka” he said.
Teams
Zambia - Mike Poto, Clive Sichondwe, Charles Sinynigwa, Hichani Himoonde,Eugene Shamakamba, Francis Kasonde, Simon Bwalya, Kennedy Mudenda, William Njobvu ( Sebastian Mwansa 86), Reuben Tembo, Emmanuel Mayuka.
Swaziland - Njabuliso Simmelane, Mlungisi Ngubane, Denneis Fakudze, Mgondi Sidell Zakhele Manyatsi, Mxolisi Mtsetfwa, Manqoba Kunene, (Mphile Tsabadze 19th) Mpendulo Kunene Mzwandile Mamba, Mbulos Gina.
Source: Times of Zambia
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Posted
Mar 31 2008, 01:36 AM
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