Francisco Mwepu bagged a brace to inspire Zambia to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations U-20 qualifier match played at Stade Regional De Kigali in Rwanda on Saturday.
The Junior Chipolopolo got off to a good start and produced the first opportunity of the game in the third minute when Justin Mwanza forced Flancre Ntwari into making a fine save to deny his venomous strike at goal.
Ntwari came to his side’s rescue 10 minutes later as he parried Martin Njobvu’s effort away after being played through on goal by Christopher Katongo.
The Amavubi produced their first real chance at goal after 19 minutes when Prince Buregeya found himself in space before unleashing his effort at goal, but fired his attempt into the side netting.
Justin Mwanza had a chance to put his side ahead in the 27th minute, but Dream Factory Academy’s defender Kingsley Hakwiya did well to deny the striker with a timely challenge.
Prince Mumba should’ve handed JuniorChipolopolo the lead four minutes later when he unleashed a thunderous strike at goal, but the midfielder’s effort bounced off the woodwork and out for a goal-kick.
Francis Mwepu handed Zambia the lead after 34 minutes with a well taken shot past Rwanda goalkeeper in a beautiful finish.
Patrick Mugisha forced a fine save out of Prince Bwalya with a minute before the end of the first stanza when he picked a long ball between Kingsley and Ndholvu, raced clear and let fly from just inside the box.
The hosts ravaged Zambia soon after restart with Chipolopolo’s midfield looking dishevelled. SC Kiyovu hotshot Janivier Bonane then stepped up with dangerous runs down the right but his effort went wide.
Zambia should’ve extended their lead in the 67th minute after Thomas Zulu played Mwanza through on goal with just the keeper to beat, however Ntwari did well to deny the midfielder in the final third.
Patrick Mugisha nearly crashed the Zambia post a second time in the 70th minute with the Zambia defence all at sea.
Junior Chipolopolo then doubled their lead on the 78th minute when Mwepu caught the Rwandese defence napping and slotted the ball home from close range
Amavubi pressed forward in search of a goal in the closing stages of the match, but Zambia held onto their two-goal lead into the final whistle to claim an important away win in their title defence.
