Tuesday, January 19
*Zambia 2-0 Tanzania
*Guinea vs Namibia – 10pm (EAT)
Zambia got their CHAN 2020 campaign off to a perfect start with a 2-0 win against Tanzania on Tuesday.
Collins Sikombe and Emmanuel Chabula scored a goal each in the second half in a Group D game played at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Limbe, Cameroon.
Sikombe converted from the spot after Paul Katema had his effort blocked by Tanzania captain Shomari Kapombe with his hand just after the hour mark.
Chabula showed class and artistry when he volleyed in from Sikombe’s delivery to double the advantage with nine minutes remaining on the clock.
The victory comes on the back of a non convincing Pre-Chan mini tournament for Micho’s Chipolopolo and will be a big boost for the side hoping to leave a mark in Cameroon.
Zambia Prove Too Good
Zambia were good value for the win and could have won by a better scoreline if they put away their chances.
Sikombe fired over the bar from a loose ball after Tanzania had poorly cleared from the corner in the first half.
Taifa Stars goalkeeper Aishi Manula kept out Chabula’s long drive for a corner and was later called into action to stop Sikombe’s effort from a resultant Kelvin Kampamba corner.
Chabula, well placed, had a chance once again when he headed over a retrieved ball from Amity Shamende.
He also fluffed his effort wide after the keeper spilled an initial effort from Sikombe who was put through on goal by Paul Katema.
Tanzania were at the back foot for most of the game but had a chance to level matters when Kapombe raced on Farid Musa’s pass but his loop went just over the bar.
Ditram Nchimbi also headed weakily at the goalkeeper as the Taifa Stars looked for a consolation late in the game.
Tanzania had some good spells in the first half but could not find the back of the net.
Ayub Lwanga saw his low cross unattended to while the side saw Zambia goalkeeper Allan Chibwe come out twice to punch out two crosses.
Zambia will be hoping for a good campaign this time having fallen twice at the quarter finals. Their best finish was a third place spot in 2009.
Tanzania on the other hand, are playing their second CHAN tournament having appeared in the first edition in Ivory Coast (2009).
What Next – Zambia face Guinea on January 23 while Taifa Stars will be seeking to make amends when they play Namibia in their second game.
How They Lined up:
Zambia XI – Allan Chibwe (GK), Luka Banda, Zachariah Chilongoshi, Clement Mwape Mulashi, Benedict Chepeshi, Golden Mafwenta, Paul Katema, Kelvin Kapumbu, Collins Sikombe, Kelvin Kampamba, Emmanuel Chabula
Tanzania XI – Aishi Manula (GK), Shomari Kapombe (C), Edward Charles Manyama, Kalos Protus, Bakari Mwamnyeto Nondo, Baraka Majogoro, Yusuph Muhilu, Feisal Salum, Dritam Adrian Nchimbi, Lucas Kikoti, Ayubu Lyanga
