ZAMBIA 1-1 GABON: FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT

By Mike Mubanga

Zambia and Gabon played out to a 1-1 draw in front of thousands of supporters including football patron and republican President, Edgar Lungu.

Here is what we learnt:

1.      ZESCO 2 - 2 Zambia/Gabon

It was all square at the Heroes National Stadium as Zesco blacked out the entire stadium twice; before and during the match. Actually, Zesco were two up before Rainford Kalaba scored for Zambia while Panthers goalkeeper Bitsike Moto’s coolly taken penalty went past Kennedy Mweene. Fans were a bit unsettled by the sudden blackouts, but information reaching the blog is that as 400 supporters gatecrashed. Lucky them.

2.      Poor Boyd, just one mistake swallowed all the fans’ praise

Defender Boyd Mkandawire put up a decent shift that drew fans' praise and maintained his status as one of the emerging young players in Zambian football. However, a needless challenge in the box was enough to attract Janny Sikazwe's whistle; penalty! Soon after, Mkandawire endured unnecessary hate from fans who all of the sudden wondered why he made the first eleven. Surely!

3.      The second half belonged to the visitors

Just as in Sunday's match against Kenya were the Harambee Stars dominated the second half, it was the same story at the Heroes National Stadium against Gabon. Zambia had the best 45 minutes scoring two goals and one goal in the Kenya and Gabon games respectively. The substitute bench made little impact in the game, and it is high time the team learns to endure in order to match the opposition of Egypt, Tunisia and Congo among other teams.

4.      Mbesuma still got it

Collins Mbesuma deserves a mention in the five things we learnt on Tuesday night. His touch and movement with the ball was so exquisite, and speaks a lot of a man who made his national team debut in 2003. It is encouraging to see that 12 years later, he can still be the answer to Zambia’s goal scoring problems.

5.      Zambia needs more freekick sessions

With enterprising play that has come with the combination of old and young players, a lot of free kicks are being created in goal scoring areas. However, it’s either the taker shoots 12 o’clock, or the ball goes straight to the goalkeeper. It cannot be bad, therefore, to have free kick sessions in order to master the art of scoring free kicks.

KENYA 1-2 ZAMBIA: 5 THINGS WE LEARNT

By Mike Mubanga

Zambia came from a goal down to snatch a vital 2-1 away win over Kenya in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group E encounter played at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The win leaves Zambia and Congo tied at the top in group E with four points while Kenya are third with a point.

Here is what we learnt:

1. Mbesuma proves that he is not excess luggage

With an assist and a goal to his name, Collins Mbesuma still proved that he can be the main man. He's been criticized for his below par performance but given an opportunity, 'King David' can still push Zambia to greater heights.

I am the man: Collins Mbesuma (middle) joined by Chisamba Lungu and Aaron Katebe

 

 

2. Game risky helped

Handing out starts to Boyd Mkandawire, Benedict Chepeshi and Jackson Chirwa was a gamble that worked well for Coach George Lwandamina. While Chepeshi may have had been more shaky than Chepeshi and Chirwa, it is safe to say that the trio will succeed in the Chipolopolo jersey.

Ouch! Boyd Mkandawire had a good game

 

 

 3.  Zambian players fell like 'Arabs'

The Nyayo Stadium faithful was left stunned by the falling of the Chipolopolo Boys players. While most of them were debatable, it was no wonder fans aimed team doctor Joseph Kabungo for attended to fit players. Kenya Coach Bobby Williamson felt that the match referee should have added 10 minutes.

"I am sure you (Kenya) have played with Arabs before, it was going to be worse than what you saw," Lwandamina said later in an interview. Was he endorsing his players fall?

Easy Doc! Kennedy Mweene was accused of time wasting

4. Victor Wanyama is a loner

After Paul Were hobbled off just after 27 minutes, Southampton ace Victor Wanyama who recently had his request to join Tottenham rejected, became of the outstanding player in the Kenya squad. Dennis Oliech, who made his return to the national team in over a year, did not help Wanyama. However, many Zambians will admire the passion and dedication Emmanuel Mayuka’s former teammate had when one of one with Rainford Kalaba and Collins Mbesuma among other Chipolopolo players.

Midfield genius Wanyama was not helped

5. Sangomas disappoint Kenya

The alleged Sangomas sought intervention for Kenya to beat Zambia. The two who deployed themselves at Nyayo stadium sprinkled water and some light powder inside the pitch but it never worked. Infact, it didn’t work in their favour as the Kenyans missed chances at the goal post which was worked on after it leaked to goals for Zambia inside the opening 45 minutes.

Not today: Sangomas had a bad day in the office