Zambia outclass Sudan

 The Zambia National Soccer Team opened the new Heroes National Stadium on a winning note as they outclassed Sudan 3-1 thanks to goals from Christopher Munthali, Given Singuluma and Mukuka Mulenga, reports Zambian Eye’s Limbikani Msamba.

The result also ensured that newly appointed caretaker coach Honour Janza got off to a winning start and stake his claim for a permanent job. It took 14 minutes for Zambia to break the deadlock as defender Christopher Munthali prodded home Fwayo Tembo’s set-piece delivery. The free-kick was awarded following a foul on young winger Bruce Musakanya.

Zambia almost extended the lead eight minutes later when Skipper Rainford Kalaba dribbled past two Sudanese defenders before crossing for Jonas Sakuwaha who headed over. Kalaba and Bruce Musakanya were having a field day as they took turns tormenting the Sudanese defence especially on the left flank.

The second goal arrived when right full-back Kabaso Chongo negotiated his way past two Sudanese players before delivering a brilliant cross for Singuluma to emphatically head home. The Chipolopolo almost made it three when the menacing Musakanya again caused problems for the Sudanese left-back who had no choice but to pull him down.

From the resultant freekick, Fwayo Tembo delivered yet another glorious ball into the box which Kalaba headed over when it seemed easier to score. Sudan returned a more organised side in the second half and caused the Chipolopolo defence – which was far from convincing throughout – a number of headaches.

The visitors finally pulled a goal back deep into injury time when from the penalty spot after substitute goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata brought down a Sudanese attacker. But the Chipolopolo where not to be denied a grandstand finish as they launched an attack straight from the restart.

South African based midfielder Mukuka Mulenga pounced on a loose ball in the Sudanese box before tricking two defenders and the goalkeeper and slotting the ball home to send the space home crowd into wild celebrations.