Zambia’s new coach off to dream start

NOUAKCHOTT. — Zambia got their 2021 World Cup campaign off to a flying start yesterday with a 2-1 away victory over Mauritania.

Chipolopolo, who are under new coach, Beston Chambeshi, could not ask for more in their first match as they claimed all three points, with Prince Mumba, scoring the winning goal.

Chambeshi’s men had a good start to the game after their skipper, Brighton & Hove Albion star Enock Mwepu, gave them the lead, in the 10th minute.

Mumba’s winner came in the 57th minute.

Amadou Niass’ goal for the hosts, in the 69th minute, was not enough to save Mauritania.

This win is a perfect start for Chipolopolo, who will host Tunisia, on Tuesday.

The Football Association of Zambia, who brought in Chambeshi to replace Serbian gaffer, Milutin [Sredojevic, in July, could not have asked for a better result.

Chambeshi is being assisted by Numba Mumamba.

“FAZ has confidence in both Chambeshi and Mumamba on account of their previous performances with various national teams,’’ they said, when they made the changes. “Chambeshi was head coach of the U20 side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 and guided Zambia to the 2017 Under-20 FIFA World Cup where they reached a historic quarter-final place.

“Mumamba led Zambia to their first-ever COSAFA Under-17 title in 2017 and has also been head coach of the Under-20 national team.

“He has also previously served as an assistant coach at the senior national team. FAZ is grateful to Nkana and Zesco United for allowing the duo to serve club and country as coaches for a short-term period.”

“Following the mutual separation between the Football Association of Zambia [Faz] and Milutin [Sredojevic], the executive committee met on July 24, 2021, to chart the way forward,” read part of the statement.

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho’s brace helped the Super Eagles to defeat Liberia 2-0 and get to a perfect start in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Teslim Balogun Stadium yesterday.

A lacklustre match saw the visitors standing toe-to-toe with the Super Eagles.

The first attempt on goal came from Ola Aina, who shot from range, in the 10th minute.

Joe Aribo almost gave Nigeria the lead five minutes later, after he was set up by Alex Iwobi, but he blew away his chance.

Iheanacho broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles, in the 22nd minute, as he controlled a flicked ball from Iwobi inside the box before he turned and fired home.

In the 37th minute, Victor Osimhen almost doubled Nigeria’s lead, but his shot rolled off target.

Iwobi again assisted Iheanacho for the second goal on the stroke of half-time.

Nigeria, in the second half, had many chances to extend the lead but they could not breach the Liberia goal.

Osimhen thought he had scored, as he connected well with a Moses Simon’s cross, but Liberia goalkeeper denied the Napoli forward. — africatopsports/Goal.com.