Zambia came back from a goal down to register a 2-1 win over Comoros in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday night.
Comoros claimed an early lead through Ben Mohamed, who netted in the 13th minute, but Zambia equalised through a fantastic strike from Enock Mwepu in the 45th.
The game got off to a lively start as Fashion Sakala beat Comoros’ high line in the sixth minute to go through on goal but Younn Zaahary made a great recovery tackle from behind.
Patson Daka guided a free header at the back post wide from a corner on 12 minutes, but Ben Mohamed broke the deadlock for Younes Zerdouk’s charges a minute later with a wonderful finish from Zambia defensive error.
Zambia created a chance for an equalizer moments later, as Roderick Kabwe combined well with Shemmy Mayembe, before firing a low effort just wide of the upright.
Mohamed Youssouf had a glint in his eye in the 38th minute and decided to fire a shot from long range but Toaster Nsabata was up to the task and made a comfortable save.
Zambia were back on level matters on the stroke of halftime. Enock Mwepu placed the ball on his chest before firing a powerful shot past Ali Ahamada.
The pace of the game slowed after the interval as neither team had any real chances to score the game’s second goal.
However, in the 73rd minute Comoros found a rare opening as Youssouf M’Changama found space just outside the Chipolopolo box, but he took too long to take advantage and saw the chance slip away.
A few minutes later Ali Ahamada was called upon to make a double save. He Lumbambo Musonda’s initial shot and then grabbed Fashion Sakala’s follow-up effort as well.
Kings Kangwa netted the winner for Zambia in the 88th minute when his powerful free-kick beat Ali Ahamada to the top left corner of the net.
Comoros pushed for an equaliser in the final three minutes but their decision-making in the final third let them down, as Zambia held on for the three points.
