CHAN 2020 – Zambia Vs Tanzania: Sikombe Scores, makes one, As Zambia Changes Tournament’s Complexion

By Giovanni Wanneh – Cameroon

Zambia are the first team to win to score twice and win through a two clear goal difference in the 6th edition of the African Nations Championship, after six games since the opener.

After meeting in the inaugural edition of the African Nations Championship 2009, Zambia opened group D this time again against familiar foes Tanzania.

Unlike 2009 where the two teams separated on parity (1-1), it ended 2-0 in favor of Zambia.

The game at the Limbe Omnisports Stadium was graced by the teams  at 5:00 pm local time, with both sides paying homage to the dead Al Ittihad of Libya President – Jamal Jaafari who reportedly died on Monday January 18, due to the Corona Virus.

Right from the onset, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania looked dangerous with balls whipped across Zambia’s zone and sending bodies forward. At the fourth minute, Edward Manyama’s well crafted free – kick was waisted by Baraka Majogoro, who would have done better in truth.

At the 23rd minute Zambia had a sniff on goal themselves; Kelvin Mubanga’s corner was followed by a vicious shot by Collins Sikombe, though only good enough for the stadium rafters.

Zambia kept on pressing just a minute before the half hour mark. On a break, a lovely give and go between green shirts set Emmanuel Chabula for the shot but Manula was equal to it. The resulting corner met the in – step of Lusaka Dynamos man Collins Sikombe, but yet again, goalkeeper Manula made it stick at first attempt.

The Taifa Stars with those long and hopeful balls got what they had been looking for the whole afternoon; setting Lyanga ‘one V one’ with Zambia right back Mulashi. Lyanga made light work of Mulashi, but his curled effort didn’t work Allan Chibwe.

The engaging nature of the game was summarized in an action as Kampamba received the game’s first yellow for a foul on Majogoro at the 37 minute.

Zambia finally got their break when the referee pointed to the spot at the 62 minute; Chabula’s drilled cross was met by Katema, and his effort, handled by a defender. Collins Sikombe’s resulting penalty took a kind kiss off the left side of the upright, and found it’s way to Manula’s net for one – nil Zambia.

As the game went on, Collins Sikombe and co were guilty of missing sitters. The boys of Etienne Ndairagije nearly made them pay the the 77 minute with his attempted lob going just over Chibwe’s bar.

Zambia finally doubled tally ten minutes to the end, Sikombe assisting Chabula who volleyed pass Manula for two – nil Zambia.

Zambia takes control of the group temporally while waiting on the Guinea against Namibia game.

• This article was initially published by Mysoccer24.com and has been re-published by Sbk Sports Mail with permission as an official media partner.