Warriors lose opening match to Chipolopolo

CHIPOLOPOLO this afternoon begin their campaign to win the African Nations Championship with a tricky opening Group D fixture against regional rivals Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe had several chances but failed to take advantage due to solid Zambian defense.

A bright start could bury some of the off the field distractions the team has had following the sudden departure of the dubiously engaged assistant coach Irfan Kawri.

Zambia now turn their gun-sights on The Cranes Uganda on January 23 who drew 2-2 with Mali in their Group D opening game later on Tuesday at the same venue.

Mali put up the pressure, looking for an equalizer, and they got that exactly when Sedou Keita got it through left-footed shot. Zimbabwe had injured Elisha Muroiwa replaced as he was rushed to hospital with a bad injury.

“The game against Zimbabwe will be the most important”.

“We now need to do a lot to the boys to motivate them and get points on the board from our next match”.

Ugandan defender Joseph Ochaya scored the first goal, slotting the ball in the empty net in the 11th minute from free-kick by Farouk Miya. “We are going for a tournament and Zimbabwe is not the only team we will face”.

“The best moment however came just before half time but Warriors forward Edmore Chirambadare missed a sitter with only Banda at his mercy”. “The good thing is that they know what is at stake”, Kalusha said.

The game which was played inside the Rubavu Stadium was goalless in the first half.

The Zambian gaffer said he was unfazed by the looming derby against Zimbabwe.

And Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina says he is ready for the showdown.

“I must also give credit to Zimbabwe for fighting to the bitter end and especially the way they fought for an equaliser after we had scored and I think the only difference between the two sides was the goal that we scored, ” Lwandamina said.