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