By Elvis Kang (Cameroon)
In a game where Zambia were the favorites on paper, Tanzania had a few moments of brilliance but failed to hold on to the end
Goal from Collins from the penalty spot at the 64min and Emmanual Chabula at the 81 min over powered the Tanzania defense to give Zambia a well deserved victory in Group D opener
Here are our match observations:
A flashy But Disorganized Tanzania Side
Etienne Ndairagiji men were missing a rounded presence in midfield against Zambians. The midfield and defense often looked nervy in possession and were anything but exuding confidence when under pressure from a decent Zambian press.
The Zambian attack on the other hand was far more dangerous than their Tanzania counterpart. The pace of Sikombe and Kampamba proved time and again to be too much for Tanzania high line.
With a total 15 Short created and 6 shots on goal, Zambia was the better attacking side for most of the game before Tanzania upped the pressure towards the end but could not put the ball behind the next. In all, Tanzania created 9 shorts and got 1 shots on target
Too much creativity in the Tanzania squad wasted in the absence of key Striker John Rapheal Bocco
Etienne Ndairagiji fielded a squad without a proper No.9 against Zambia With their key striker John Raphael out with an injury, the Tanzania coach tried to be a little bit creative with his playing XI.
The decision to start Adrian Nchimbi in a false-nine role did not turn out well for the yellow and Black as the hefty possession they enjoyed throughout the game failed to translate into goalscoring opportunities. One of the key reasons for that was the lack of a target player inside the box for their midfielders.
In this creativity-heavy squad, the absence of a finisher like John was felt as the players looked a bit indecisive when in possession in the final third.
- This article was initially published by Mysoccer24.com and has been re-published by Sbk Sports Mail with permission as an official media partner.
Discover more from Sbk Sports Mail | Latest Sports News, Insights, and Features from Uganda, East Africa & Around the World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD
- How Namuwongo Blazers Refused to Lose: Inside a Game 7 That Needed Overtime to Decide a Champion
Two comebacks, blown leads, tactical adjustments from both benches, and enough tension to stretch across an entire season had already been spent by the time Game 7 tipped off, and still there was more basketball left to play than either side could have wanted. - Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined
With several first-team players watching from the sidelines, Entebbe UPPC must find solutions from within their available squad. - Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC at Kitende
The encounter, scheduled for 8pm and live on Sanyuka Prime TV, brings the long-awaited return of top-flight football and immediately places the defending champions under the spotlight. For Vipers, it is an opportunity to begin their pursuit of another league crown on a positive note, while Entebbe UPPC will be eager to spoil the champions' opening night. - Kawempe Muslim Set for CBE Rematch in CAFWCL Semifinal
The semifinal will provide CBE with a chance to respond after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kawempe Muslim during the group stage. The Valley Warriors already know they can overcome their Ethiopian opponents, but they will expect CBE to approach the rematch with greater determination and a different tactical plan. - KCCA Leopards Crush Stormers to Secure NBL Bronze
The Leopards produced an impressive display of attacking basketball and defensive discipline, building a commanding advantage early before responding strongly to a brief second-half revival from the Stormers.
