Zambia, Gabon in goalless stalemate

Zambia, Gabon in goalless stalemate

Zambia played out a goalless draw with Gabon in an international friendly match played at the Stade d’Angondjé in Libreville on Sunday.

Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda featured several previously uncapped players from the domestic league for this match in an effort to expose them to the international scene in the absence of more experienced players from Zanaco and Zesco United who could not be selected due to a clash with their participation in CAF inter club competitions.

Isaac Shamujompa, Allan Chibwe, Collins Sikombe, Lawrence Chungu, Brian Mwila and Billy Mutale were all given starts for the first time at senior national team level.

Adrian Chama and Fwayo Tembo were the most experienced players in the starting line up. Others were Ronald Kampamba, Stanley Nshimbi and Jackson Chirwa.

Kampamba had the best chance for Zambia when he went behind the Gabonese defence on the stroke of half time but the goalkeeper was alert to keep out his effort.

José Antonio Camacho’s starting line up had one player from the Gabonese domestic league in goalkeeper Dennis Nze who plies his trade at AS Pelican while key players Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Ecuele Manga as well as Mario Lemina, who featured for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid, were absent.

Two years ago there was no winner between the two sides as they settled for a 1-1 draw in a friendly which was played at the National Heroes Stadium on 8th September, 2015.

Gabon Starting XI: Nze (GK), Ngaleu, Didier Ndong, Ondo,Obame Ndong, Engongah Obame, Kanga Kaku, Mbingui, Boupendza, Bouanga.

Subsutitutes: Mfa Mezui (GK), Akue, Aboue Angoue, Lengoualam, Obambou, Oyoubi, Wachter.

Zambia Starting XI: Chibwe (GK), A. Chama, Chungu, Shamujompa, Mutale, Chirwa, Tembo, Nshimbi, Mwila, Kampamba, Sikombe.

Substitutes: Mweemba (GK), Sakuwaha, Lwipa, Shonga, Sinyangwe, M. Phiri, Nsofwa, Malunga (GK), Chomba, G. Ngwenya.