Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Winston Kalengo @ SS com
Zambia left it until late to silence a plucky Mozambique 3-0 at home in Ndola to move one step closer to reaching their first Caf African Nations Championship (Chan) finals in seven years.
Winston Kalengo, teenage striker Conlyde Luchanga and Spencer Sautu all scored in the final quarter of the second half to put Zambia one foot closer to their first Chan final since 2009.
Zambia, though, stuttered through the first half in which they found Mozambique even to the task.
Kalengo skied his 24 minute shot while Charles Zulu’s tame volley was saved by Guirrudo.
In-between, Mozambique best effort of the opening period came in the 34th minute when goalkeeper and captain Jacob Banda gathered his shot.
The pressure was telling in the second half with Kalengo dispatching his header high and over in the 51st minute.
Then, some gusty defending by Zambia defender Christopher Munthali kept out Neilto’s shot in the 56th minute.
The tide changed with 15 minutes to go when Kalengo headed-in the opening goal in the 77th minute off a Spencer Sautu cross.
Three minutes later, Luchanga headed in the second goal the second to make a dream debut after replacing Festus Mbewe in the 73rd minute.
Sautu completed the rout in stoppage time with a long-range shot to see Zambia take ‘a comfortable lead into the final leg in Maputo on October 24.
Another positive result for Zambia this Saturday will see Chipolopolo return to the tournament after failing to qualify in 2011 and 2014 after winning Bronze in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire.