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Zambia shock AFCON bound Morocco in International friendly

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The Zambia national team has beaten Morocco 3 – 2 in a thrilling international friendly match played in Morocco at the Stade de Marrakech.

Mwape Musonda, Kings Kangwa and Enock Mwepu scored a goal each to earn the Beston Chambeshi coached side their first win on the current three game international tour.

Zambia did not allow the hosts to settle in the game as they broke on the left with the first attack led by Patson Daka when he was picked by a well placed through ball from Augustine Mulenga.

The Austria based Daka charged into the box to square a hard pass with his left but his effort ricocheted off the keeper to hit the arriving Musonda to go into the net for the opener with only 37 seconds played. This was his second goal in as many matches as he recorded Zambia’s fastest goal at international level.

Morocco, took charge of the game from then on dominating play as Zambia sat back and struggled to keep possession in midfield.

Allan Chibwe in goal was pulling save after save but once Ajax’ Hakim Ziyechi found some space outside the box on the left, he opened fire to beat the Nkana goalie at his near post in the 24th minute.

Moses Nyondo was then forced out due to an injury. With Ziyo Tembo and Donashano Malama not available for selection due to injury, Kings Kangwa came on. The tactical switch saw Salulani Phiri partner skipper Kabaso Chongo in central defense as Kangwa slotted in an attacking midfield role.

The changes saw Zambia pick momentum and this paid off with Kangwa neatly finishing off a cut back to the top of the box from Musonda in the 44th minute.

Zambia started slow after the break and Morocco capitalized on a defensive error when Chibwe played the ball to Chongo just outside the box in a central position from a goal kick. The skipper lost composure and was dispossessed only to concede a penalty as he tried to recover. Ziyechi buried the spot kick in the 55th minute for the equalizer.

Zambia sealed the win in the 74th minute when a well taken Mwepu shot from outside the box beat Bouno in the Morocco goal.

This was Morocco’s last friendly match before they head to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

Zambia will now shift attention to the game against Ivory Coast to played in Abhu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Zambia XI

18. Allan Chibwe, 13. Shemmy Mayembe, 4. Kebson Kamanga, 2. Moses Nyondo (Kings Kangwa), 14. Kabaso Chongo, 15. Salulani Phiri, 7. Emmanuel Banda (Justin Shonga), Enock Mwepu, 17. Augustine Mulenga, 9. Mwape Musonda (Fashion Sakala), 20. Patson Daka

Morocco XI

1 Y. Bounou 5 M. Benatia  2 A. Hakimi 8 K. El Ahmadi Substituted  17 N. Dirar  10 Y. Belhanda

6 R. Saïss 9 S. Boufal 7 H. Ziyech 16 N. Amrabat 19 Y. En-Nesyri

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