By Satish Sekar in Rustenburg © Satish Sekar (October 11^th 2020)

Hungrier

Trailing Keagan Dolly’s opener mid-way through the second half, Chipolopolo boss (Micho) Milutin Sredojević, saw his charges bounce back from the controversial 2-1 loss to Kenya on October 9^th to beat the Bafana Bafana by the same score today in Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Dolly latched on to an exquisite pass by Anderlecht’s Percy Tau, leaving Zambian keeper Sebastian Mwange stranded after 66 minutes. The midfielder who currently plays in Ligue Un for Montpelier put the Bafana Bafana ahead after beating Green Eagles’ shot-stopper to the ball. Mwange was caught far out of his area with few options.

Tactical Acumen

Micho’s tactical acumen was demonstrated as four substitutes turned the match around. Dolly, had replaced Lyle Foster very early. The Vitória Guimarães forward lasted less than a minute. He was stretchered off after being fouled by Benson Sakala.

Both Zambian goals were scored by substitutes, and they were created by substitutes too. Attacking midfielder, Kelvin Kampamba, who left Zambian champions Nkana for Zesco United recently, equalised after 78 minutes with an assist from midfield Zesco team-mate Bruce Musakanya.

Kamphani Lungu, the Supersport winger, provided the assist four minutes later for Zambia to snatch the lead from Molefi Ntseki’s South Africa through Lumwana Radiants midfielder Chaniza Zulu.

Summed Up

Orlando Pirates and South Africa captain Thulani Hlatshwayo summed it up, “Zambia wanted it more.”

But as early as the first minute South Africa’s carefully prepared plan went up in smoke as the injury to Lyle Foster forced a change. While Keagan Dolly was an able replacement – he gave the Bafana Bafana the lead – it affected the plan and preparation.

Winger Lubambo Musonda plays in Poland’s top league – the Ekstraklassa – for Śląsk Wrocław. His fizzing first half shot had Belgium-based keeper Darren Keet well beaten, but not the woodwork.

Either side of half time Collins Sikombe had opportunities to give the Chipolopolo the lead. Just before half-time, he headed Zacariah Chilongoshi’s cross over the bar. Just under an hour into the match a slick move created a chance from close range that cried out for the finish it deserved, but Sikombe ballooned his shot well over from close range. Ten minutes later Tau’s pass got the finish it deserved from Dolly to give the Bafana the lead.

As with many friendlies a spate of second half substitutions also affected the tempo. However, Micho turned it around with his changes in the last half hour. Lungu was the first of the four substitutes that made the difference to come on, after 63 minutes. Kampamba, Musakanya and Zulu were introduced in the last 20 minutes.

After the controversial defeat to Kenya, Micho restored a bit of national pride, but he still has a big job ahead as Zambia is in transition. However, there was good news too.

Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu are committed to the Chipolopolo and are maintaining a keen interest by following the team’s progress from afar.