SAN FRANCISCO, November 13, (THEWILL) – In the 2022 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying series at Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium, Zambia picked up their first set of maximum points in Group H when they edged Botswana 2-1.
An interesting game of football left the best for last in the opening half coming to an exciting finale at the very end. Tumisang Orebonye thrust the visitors ahead on 45 minutes before Enock Mwepu beat the half-time whistle in dramatic fashion to level matters for Zambia deep in first-half stoppage time.
Six minutes after the hour mark, Collins Sikombe grabbed a winner for the hosts off of a Fashion Sakala feed. Though chances were not so forthcoming, the Zambians held their lead to the very end.
It was a bright start to Serbian coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic’s tenure as Zambia coach in a competitive match. Thursday’s result will help to ease Chipolopolo’s woes after the nation started the campaign with a brutal 5-0 defeat against Algeria, and a 2-1 home loss against Zimbabwe.
This win also means Zambia rise from the Group H basement and climb to third spot on the table, with Botswana dropping to the bottom of the group.
The later battle between Algeria and Zimbabwe will decide the group leaders. Zambia next visit Botswana in Monday’s second leg in Francistown.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
