Salulani Phiri put in a man of the match showing for Zambia as they beat Cosafa arch nemesis Zimbabwe with lone goal.

The result does not tell the all story as Zimbabwe gave Zambia a good run for their money .It was Pussuwa’s men who threatened the goal first after Zimbabwean fan’s favourite Ronald ”Rooney” Chitiyo tested Jacob Banda who was equal to the task just 20 minutes into the match.

Zambia who are making a return to the competition since 2009 when they won bronze in Ivory coast failed to create meaningful chances out of their creativity due to poor passing in the final third.

Francisco another danger man on the Zimbabwean side shot wide after some fine work to get past Dauti Musekwa.the first half ended goaless with one shot to Chipolopolo’s name.

George Lwandamina’s words at half time paid off in the second half as Isaac Chansa got on the end of a itch perfect Cletus Chota Chama cross in the 57th minute to score the only goal of the match.

Zimbabwe had a good number of chances after the goal as chipolopolo seemed to have relaxed a bit but the Copper bullets held on to claim all 3 points after 90 minutes.

Conlyde Luchanga and Spencer Sautu came on for Isaac Chansa and Mwape Mwelwa respectively.The substitutes had little impact on the game.Chipolopolo will face Uganda on Saturday while Zimbabwe will square off with Mali.

Mubanga Aaron

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