MUKWIMA CHILALA writes
@SunZambian
ZAMBIA under-23 midfield genius Enock Mwepu yet again proved his usefulness to the team when the Junior Chipolopolo took on Congo Brazzaville in Wednesday first leg Egypt U-23 AfCON qualifier at a packed National Heroes stadium.
The game proved to be nervy counter for the team famed “Bola Na Lesa”’ Boys who were playing under a packed home fans which included the Head of State ,President Edgar Lungu who is also FAZ patron.
To make it worse for the junior Chipolopolo, their opponents proved to be tactically superior which led to coach Jean Ngoya making a tactical substation in the 40 minute by replacing his defensive midfielder for a more attack minded one.
“In the first half Zambia were coming and attacking us but I had to make a tactical change, I removed our best player and brought in an attacking midfielder to change the game,’’ Congo Brazzaville coach Jean Ngoya said.
The substitution immediately changed the complexion of the game which saw a Zambia team that was attacking being slowed down and resulted in goal for the visitors immediately after half time.
Here is how the Zambia team faired on the day:
MANGANI PHIRI: 7/10
Accounted for himself well expected for the goal Zambia conceded just after half time which cannot be faulted on him, he was able to come to the rescue of his defenders with nervy saves.
SOLOMON SAKALA: 8/10
He had a good game on the evening and provided the leadership to his players that are required of a captain, and were most of the times the last man standing coming to the rescue of his other three teammates at the back.
SHEMY MAYEMBE: 4/ 10
The Zesco United had a torrid time at the right back with the Congo Brazzaville dangerman winger giving him troubles and always beating him to pace, the right back also easily lost balls.
KEBSON KAMANGA: 5/10
His flank was not the busiest but still managed to put up an average showing despite being jittery in that position, being an upcoming left back, the new Zanaco defender still poses some potential to earn a dependable spot in the national team.
ENOCK MWEPU: 9/10
His time has definitely come for him to earn a spot in becoming Zambia’s midfield engine, he is currently the best Zambian player of his generation and he did prove why he is called the computer. His distribution was on point and sometimes took things personal when the chips were down.
GHAMPANI LUNGU: 4/10
The Supersport United midfielder cum striker had an off game on Wednesday and was completely a passenger in the game, were he was played on the right wing, he seemed to have depleted the team.
EMMANUEL BANDA: 7/10
The Belgiam-based, Ostende midfielder gave his whole in the holding midfield role as he seemed to be comfortable on the ball with his accurate distribution and passes unfortunately seemed disappointed when he was tactically replaced by Ngosa Sunzu.
PATSON DAKA: 7/10
The Red Bull Salzburg striker proved why he was highly rated among his peers as he displayed some moments brilliance, he kept the opponents goalkeeper but was unfortunate not to have found the back of the net and sometimes appeared to be wasteful. The 20-year-old attoned for himself when he unselfishly provided an assist to Fashion Sakala for the first goal which has earned him a higher rating.
KINGS KANGWA: 6/10
The former Build con midfielder had a fairly good game, his passes were top notch and his too, he almost found the back of the net with his free kick but was denied by the goal keeper, he is simply a midfield genius.
FASHION SAKALA: 7/10
Hero of the day, sometimes exhibited some self-centeredness much to the annoyance of the soccer fans, but each time needs to have such a player who takes it personal as it works for the team when the chips are down one takes it personal and exactly how the Belgian based did by eventually getting getting the second goal for the night. Sakala’s two gaols did give the junior chipolopolo some relief going into the second leg in Pointe no.
SUBSTITUTES
NGOSA SUNZU: 7/10
Tactically brought on to place Emmanuel Banda much to the disapproval of the packed Heroes stadium, proved the naive sawyers wrong and changed the complexion of the game as Zambia now started pressing again and eventually scored.
He fit in coach Bestone Chambeshi’s tactical change to the game.
BISTON BANDA: 5/10
Fairly new in the “Bola Na Lesa” set up, but did fit in well in the team a few moment of brilliance and was involved in the second goal coming from Mwepu and later passing it to Fashion slotted it home.
HARRISON CHISALA 5/10
Not much impact on the game, but did have a fairly good game and showed why he is higly rated with Nkana players, Fit in well in the few minutes he played.
COACH BESTONE CHAMBESHI:
Went for an attack minded formation, but unfortunately met a tactically superior opponent in Jean Ngoya.
Chambeshi not switch his tactics in earnest like his opposite side but did get it right when he replaced Emmanuel Banda with Ngosa Sunzu which changed the complexion of the game.
Zambia plays Congo Brazzaville on Sunday with winner over two legs qualifying to the Under-23 AfCON to be held in Egypt in November.
