ZAMBIA’s 12-year quest for an Africa Cup of Nations win continues as the Chipolopolo Boys held neighbours Tanzania to a 1-1 draw.
The Chipolopolo Boys last recorded a victory at the continental showpiece in 2012 as the won the coveted title.
In a dramatic Bollywood suspense filled match last evening, leaving fans shouting yee! every time there was a chance, and biting their lips while Tanzania was in attack.
Avram Grant’s side faced adversity after it was reduced to 10 men in the first half, with Rodrick Kabwe shown a second yellow just before the halftime.
An attempt to protest the decision earned Fashion Sakala and Grant a yellow card from referee Djindo Louis, tempting fans from the Christian nation to insult.
The Copper Bullets were already a goal down, punished by Simon Msuva who capitalized on a defensive glitch netting just 11 minutes into the contest.
However, the Leicester City striker, who played throughout the Group F fixture at Stade Laurent Pokou, secured a 1-1 draw in San-Pedro, rising highest at the near post to direct Clatous Chama’s corner into the back of the net, salvaging a point for the Copper Bullets.
Daka’s heroics not only revived the hopes of the Chipolopolo Boys to keep fighting in the tournament but it crushed Tanzanian hearts as they hoped to clinch a first win at the tournament.
With two points from two matches, Zambia are currently in third place and set to face Morocco who lead Group F with four points seconded by Congo with two points whilst Tanzania is still manning the bottom.
Meanwhile Congo and Morocco also drew 1-1 leaving the last group stage matches the deciders of who will progress to the next round of the competition.
Zambia will be looking for not less than a win as they face the Atlas Lions on Wednesday.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba January 22, 2024
