Collins Mbesuma marked his return to the national side with a winning goal as Zambia defeated Kenya 2-1 in a Group E match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played at Nyayo National Stadium. Collins Mbesuma marked his return to the national side with a winning goal as Zambia defeated Kenya 2-1 in a Group E match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played at Nyayo National Stadium.
The veteran forward struck three minutes before the interval after earlier setting up strike partner Winston Kalengo to cancel out Micheal Olunga’s 13th minute opener.
Young striker Olunga had given the hosts an early lead when he shrugged off the attentions of Boyd Mkandawire and Aaron Katebe before poking the ball over the on rushing Mweene.
Despite the early setback, Zambia refused to lie down and responded with an equalizer from Winston Kalengo who calmly controlled a dipping pass from the resurgent Mbesuma before rifling into the top corner of Origi’s goal.
Jack Chirwa almost equalized for Zambia in the 22nd minute but goalkeeper Arnold Origi saved from close-range.
Jack Chirwa almost equalized for Zambia in the 22nd minute but goalkeeper Arnold Origi saved from close-range.
Kalengo turned provider in the 42nd minute when he chested a throw-in before laying the ball into the path of Mbesuma who fired home the winner off the upright.
The second half started with the hosts on the front foot and could have restored parity in the 50th minute but Olunga saw his header cleared off the line by Chisamba Lungu, with the shaky Kennedy Mweene in no man’s land.
Lwandamina’s charges hang on for dear life as the home side poured forward in search of an equalizer but could not find a way past a resolute Chipoloplodefense lead by the impressive Stoppila Sunzu.
The home fans could not take it any more as they begun trooping out of the stadium before the final whistle.
Kenya put the foot on the gas in the second half but Lwandamina decided to pack the bus to see Zambia record a rare away victory that they picked up after coming from behind.
Kenya put the foot on the gas in the second half but Lwandamina decided to pack the bus to see Zambia record a rare away victory that they picked up after coming from behind.
The victory means Zambia moves into second position on the standings with 4 points on goal difference from Congo who edged bottom placed Guinea Bissau 4 – 2 on Saturday.
Zambia host Congo in the next match scheduled for the midweek of 23 to 26 March 2016 while Kenya travel to Guinea Bissau during the same week.
