adminBEIJING. – Brazil got the better of Zambia in their first ever meeting with a 2-0 victory, in an international friendly soccer match in Beijing yesterday. The South Americans showed their intentions from the start and had the woodwork shaking in the third minute from a superb free-kick from Neymar and Kennedy Mweene scrambled the rebound clear.
Dani Alves sent a swerving shot wayward moments later before Zambia won a decent free-kick through Chris Katongo but nothing came from it.
Alexandre Pato’s lobbed effort from distance failed to find the target before Ramires fired narrowly wide after some good interplay with Neymar in the 15th minute. Jacob Mulenga saw his ferocious strike held well by the goalkeeper in the 17th minute while Lucas Moura went close at the other end after drifting inside.
The Brazilians had the upperhand but were not running away and Neymar wasted a chance in the 37th minute with a poor header after good work from Maxwell.
Emmanuel Mayuka saw his penalty appeal waved away minutes after Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Mweene had saved a shot from Pato.
The goalkeeper finished the half in excellent fashion with a brilliant save to tip Neymar’s goalbound shot around the post.
Chipolopolo almost had a perfect start to the second period but Mayuka just couldn’t get a toe on a deflected shot before Mweene was again called into action. The deadlock was then finally broken in the 59th minute. – AFP.
Online Reporter