We were not motivated – Lwandamina

George Lwandamina and FAZ Spokesperson Nkweto Tembwe

George Lwandamina says Zambia’s lackluster performance in their final Group D match against Mali on Wednesday was down to lack of motivation.

Zambia came into the match with their quarterfinal qualification already secured with a game in hand on maximum six points from their opening two Group D matches.

Mali pummeled Zambia for 90 minutes but Chipolopolo kept their shape to finish 0-0 en-route to this weekend’s quarterfinals.

The result also saw Zambia maintain their Group D superiority at the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) to finish unbeaten on 7 points heading into the knockout round.

“It was a psychological game even a coach can only do as much for his players,” Lwandamina said.

“The players themselves got affected psychologically in their minds with qualification ready secured. It was the most difficult game.”

Zambia struggled to get a decent shot on goal throughout the 90 minutes.

Furthermore, Zambia goalkeeper Jacob Banda was the busier of the men between the posts.

Banda parried Aliou Dieng’s fiery volley in the 27th minute on the near post and he was back in action in the 34th minute when he struggled to collect a rasping shot from Lassana Samake.

There was very little goalmouth action after the break although Mali gave Zambia a fright in the 78th minute when Sekou Koita cut past two defenders but sent his rocketing shot across Banda’s posts’.

Zambia now turn their attention to the the quarterfinals on Sunday when they face Guinea in Rubavu.

Mali stay in Kigali to face 2011 Chan champions Tunisia.