Mozambique dump Zambia out of the CHAN

Zambia’s journey for a possible fourth appearance at the CHAN tournament ended on Saturday after a 1-0 defeat to Mozambique at Lusaka’s Heroes Stadium.

The Black Mambas will now face Malawi in the final round.

Straight from winning the 2022 Cosafa Cup, Zambia went into the tie as favourites but were stunned by a well drilled Mozambique side.

Zambia coach named an attacking side with Zesco United’s Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba joining Red Arrows duo Ricky Banda and Albert Kangwanda in attack.

On the hour mark with scores still goalless, Zambia coach Aljosa Asanovic replaced Kangwanda with Jimmy Mukeya.

Zambia pushed for a goal but failed to penetrate Mambas’ low block.

Against the run of play, Mozambique caught Zambia on the break to grab a goal thanks to Lau King, in the 81st minute as the home crowd were stunned.

After the Mambas released their poison, the Zambian players struggled to find their way.

Asanovic tried to inject fresh legs in the form of Saddam Yusuf Phiri and Harrison Chisala for Kelvin Kapumbu and Patrick Gondwe but that didn’t yield anything.

Zambia will now shift to the Ivory Coast 2024 African Cup of Nations qualifier.