Chipolopolo complete West African tour with Benin draw

Benin 2-2 Zambia (Steve Mounie 43’| Juston Shonga 21′, 79′)

The Zambia national soccer team was held to a 2 – 2 draw by Benin in an international friendly match played at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga scored a brace in the game to hand the Aggrey Chiyangi coached side a second draw as they complete the West African tour having drawn 1 – 1 with Niger.

Chiyangi has continued with his remarkable record 10 game unbeaten run at the helm of the Chipolopolo coaching job and he seemed to have an eye on Saturday’s CHAN qualifier as he only named one foreign based player in the starting line up – Shonga.

The ‘Sharp shooter’ led from the front and gave Zambia the lead in the 21st minute before the hosts pulled one back in the 43rd minute.

Chiyangi made some changes in the second half as he brought in Salulani Phiri for Larry Bwalya (48′), Augustine Mulenga for Emmanuel Chabula (51′) and Clatous Chama for Bruce Musakanya (63′).

But it was the Squirrels who missed the chance to go ahead when Sessegnon Stephane missed from the penalty spot.

Shonga scored a minute later to complete his brace in the 79th minute.

Zambia were holding up well and looked to see off the game when Chiyangi gave Mwenya Chibwe his international debut since switching allegiance to Zambia.

Unfortunately the Chipolopolo conceded in injury time to allow Benin to walk away with a draw.

Against Niger, Zambia were leading and conceded with only three minutes to play.

The Chipolopolo’s next assignment is next weekend at Heroes stadium in the final round of the CHAN qualifiers.

Zambia XI

Sebastian Mwange (Mwenya Chibwe), Isaac Shamujompa, Adrian Chama, Mwila Phiri, Mwape Clement, Kelvin Kapumbu, Larry Bwalya (Salulani Phiri), Bruce Musakanya (Augustine Mulenga), Kelvin kapamba, Emmanuel Chabula (Clatus Chama), Justin Shonga