Zambia overpower Kenya

Zambia came from behind to beat Kenya 2-1 in their African Cup of Nations, Group E qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.

The home side started the better of the two teams which saw Michael Olunga give Kenya the lead in the 13th minute courtesy of a fine finish.

Zambia, though, hit back quickly with Winstone Kalengo equalising in the 28th minute after a well-worked move from the Chipolopolo.

The away side then took the lead three minutes before the break courtesy of veteran striker Colins Mbesuma who showed just how deadly he is in front of goal with a clinical strike.

The second half saw the Kenyans taking charge, but they struggled to break down a resilient Zambia defence who held firm.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of the Zambians who moved up to second place in the qualifying group with four points after drawing their opening qualifier 0-0 against Guinea-Bissau back in June.

The loss for Kenya is their first in Group E after drawing their opening tie 1-1 against Congo and sees them placed third in the standings.

The other Group E game saw Congo beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 on Saturday to top the qualifying standings — Supersport

AFCON Qualifiers results

Sierra Leone 0 – 0 Ivory Coast

Benin 1 – 1 Mali

Kenya 1 – 2 Zambia

Chad 1 – 5 Egypt

CAR 2 – 0 Congo DR

Lesotho 1 – 3 Algeria

Mauritius 1 – 0 Mozambique

Swaziland 2 – 2 Malawi

Zimbabwe 1 – 1 Guinea