Zambia 1-2 Zimbabwe
LUSAKA, Zambia – Khama Billiat scored twice as Zimbabwe finally showed spark in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Warriors drew 0-0 with Botswana – considered the weakest team in the Group H – in their opening match in Harare last Friday.
Joey Antipas’ men were in control inside 10 minutes after Billiat connected Knowledge Musona’s delivery from a corner.
It was a slightly fortuitous goal as the ball appeared to bounce off Billiat’s shoulder onto his head. Its flight deceived Zambian shot stopper Mwenya Chibwe as the ball went in via the underside of the crossbar.
The lead did not last long, however, as the home fans in a noisy National Heroes Stadium were brought to their feet just eight minutes later when Patson Daka fired in a fierce shot into Elvis Chipezeze’s top right corner with his left foot.
Ian Nekati, who trekked Daka all the way, will feel he could have done better to make an interception before the Zambian forward let rip.
The goal appeared to spur Zambia on, as Zimbabwe’s northern neighbours were keen to erase memories of their 5-0 thumping away to group toppers Algeria last week.
Zimbabwe defended resolutely as Zambia poured forward in the early stages of the second half.
Then, against the run of play on 79 minutes, captain Musona broke clear on the right, dragging two defenders with him before crossing for Billiat who had drifted to the centre for an easy finish.
In the other match, Algeria beat Botswana 1-0 in Gaborone to take command of Group H.
Teams
Zambia: M. Chibwe,L. Chungu, T. Mwape (K. Mubanga 90th min) E. Kangwa (M. Mwape 69th min) E. Mwepu, J. Shonga,C. Kabaso, D. Malama, N. Sankala, P. Daka, A. Mulenga
Zimbabwe: E. Chipezeze, I. Nekati, R. Pfumbidzai, A. Mudimu, M. Munetsi, O. Karuru, K. Billiat, T. Hadebe, K. Mahachi (P. Dube 60th min), K. Musona (P. Jaure 84th min) M. Nakamba (B. Ncube 90th min)
