Junior Chipolopolo lose to Tunisia

Zambia lost 2 -1 to Tunisia in the two sides’ Group A opening match of the Caf U23 Africa Cup of Nations played at Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

Haithem Jouini gave Tunisia the lead in the 4th when he found the target from a free header following a corner delivered by Ilyes Jelassi but Ronald Kampamba levelled matters with a long range effort in the 15th minute when he lobbed the ball over Tunisia goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hsa who was out of position.

Jouini broke Zambian hearts in the 84th minute when he scored from a free header at the far post from a cross by Saad Bguir.

Zambia were forced to make a first change due to injury inside 25 minutes when Patrick Ngoma was replaced by Chingandu.

The second change was also forced as goal scorer Kampamba was withdrawn two minutes after the break by Friday Samu.

In this tightly contested affair both sides had good chances with the match still level at 1 – 1.

Zambia had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 40th minute through defender Kapota Kayawe whose driven effort from a free kick was on target but was saved by Ben Hsa.

Two minutes later Paul Katema got his effort on target as well but the goalkeeper was well placed to make a good save.

Tunisia had a good chance to restore their lead in the 57th minute when Jouini raced on the right flank and found a good pass to Slimane Kchok who blasted his effort wide and over from close range.

Three minutes later Jouini was through on goal and looked likely to score but Toaster Nsabata in goal for Zambia came out and narrowed the gap, making a brilliant save in the process.

In the last 15 minutes Zambia had good chances wasted by Spencer Sautu and Friday Samu while Tunisia had Edem Rjaibi’s goal ruled out for offside.

The victory for Tunisia means they move into second position on goal difference from their next opponents Senegal who top Group A with 3 points.

Zambia and South Africa face each other on Tuesday in a match in which these Cosafa rivals will be looking for their first points.