Chipolopolo suffer defeat in Ivory Coast
The Zambia national team road to Ivory Coast suffered a huge set back as they were handed a huge 3-1 defeat away in Yamoussoukro.
Chipolopolo boss Aljosa Asanovic went with a 4-3-3 formation. Lubambo Musonda and Rodrick Kabwe started as wing backs with Enock Mwepu starting in a defensive midfield role.
Patson Daka started upfront with Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala on either wing while Frankie Chisenga Musonda and Tandi Mwape partnered in the central defense.
The approach looked to be defensive with Ivory Coast being the more adventurous side.
The Elephants came close a number of times but hit the close bar in the dying minutes of the first stanza.
Asanovic made two changes at half time with Edward Chilufya and Emmanuel Banda introduced for Lameck Banda and Prince Mumba respectively.
Zambia finally tested Ali Sangare through Rodrick Kabwe. Edward Chilufya came close shortly but Sangare was equal to the task while Mwepu’s strike was blocked.
Ivory Coast’s pressure finally paid off in the 67th minute as Serge Aurier was found unmarked inside the 18 yard area to slot home a Jean Evrard Kouassi cross with easy.
The Elephants doubled the lead nine minutes later as Christian Koumé rose highest to head in from a Max Gradel corner.
Ibrahim Sangare added a third in the 89th minute finishing off a good move by Substitute Kouassi.
Patson Daka scored a consolation goal, 3-1 the match finished. Zambia will now shift their attention to Tuesday’s home clash against the Comoros Islands at the National Heroes Stadium.
Full Time
Ivory Coast 3-1 Zambia
(Serge Aurier 67′, Christian Koume 76′, Ibrahim Sangare 88’| Patson Daka 90+3′)
Zambia Starting XI: 1. Toaster Nsabata, 4. Frankie Musonda, 6. Tandi Mwape, 8. Lubambo Musonda, 9. Lameck Banda (Edward Chilufya 46′) 10. Fashion Sakala, 11. Enock Mwepu (c), 13. Roderick Kabwe, 17. Kings Kangwa, 19. Prince Mumba (Emmanuel Banda 46′) 20. Patson Daka
UNUSED SUBSTITUTES : 18. Mwenya Chibwe, 16. Charles Kalumba, 3. Benedict Chepeshi, 5. Miguel Chaiwa, 7. Kelvin Kampamba,15. Dominic Chanda, 21. Rally Bwalya, 22. Gamphani Lungu, 23. Shemmy Mayembe
IVORY COAST
- Ali Sangare. 3. Ghilslain Konan, 4. Jean Michael Seli 6. Willy-Arnaud Zobo Bolly, 13’ Jeremie Boga (Wilfred Zaha 64′), 14. Simon Deli, 15. Max Alain Gradel (Paul Akouokou 87′) , 17. Serge Aurier (c), 18. Ibrahim Sangare, 20. Kouakou Kouame (Karim Konate 87′) , 22. Sebastian Haller (Jean Evrard Kouassi 64′)