Chipolopolo forward Christopher Katongo is definitely proving his critics wrong with inspirational performances which have seen Zambia storm to the quarterfinals at the ongoing African Nations Championship in Rwanda.

Katongo’s lone strike against the Cranes of Uganda in Rubavu was enough to earn Zambia a well deserved victory.

His inclusion in the Chan squad together with his fellow veteran counterpart Isaac Chansa raised a lot of eyebrows from footballing experts and analysts on various sports programs aired in Zambia’s Television and radio stations.

Soccer pundits and fans alike were critical of George Lwandamina’s decision to include Katongo and Isaac Chansa in the Zambian fold again as many felt the duo were way past their prime.

Many scoffed at the very idea and insisted it was time for new blood and fresh legs to make Zambia compete again. But alas it is the tired legs that have carried the Chipolopolo forward to the last eight of the Chan tournament with a game to spare.

Lwandamina’s faith in Chris ‘K’ as many of his fans like to call him, is being repaid with equal measure.

Katongo told FAZ football that he was grateful to the coach for giving him another opportunity to play for the national team following an absence of over one year.

“I dedicate my goal to my coach. He believed in me after one year absence from the national team,” said Katongo after the match at Umuganda Stadium.

“I dedicate the three points to the Football Association of Zambia because they also believed in me and still know that I can contribute to my country.”

Katongo scored 5 goals for Green Buffaloes, helping the team to finish the 2015 season in fourth position as well as winning the Barclays Cup.