Zambia Coach Disappointed with Draw against Benin

Zambia U-20 national team head coach Chisi Mbewe has expressed disappointment with the 1-1 draw his team played against Benin on Tuesday night.

Benin opened the scoring at the Alexandria Stadium in the 57th minute; however, Junior Chipolopolo grabbed an equalizer at the hour mark after Derrikc Bulaya closed down the Benin goalkeeper before releasing a pass to Rickson Ng’ambi, who produced a beautiful finish.

Mbewe said he was not impressed by how his charges played in the first stanza but were satisfied with how quickly they returned to the match after being a goal down.

“We were unrecognizable in the first half, then we quickly equalised,” Mbewe said.

“We regained control of the match, it was not enough to win. What I retain is the spirit of our reaction.”

Zambia will be facing The Gambia in their second Group C match, which is a must-win for them in their battle to qualify for the competition’s knockout stages.

“We cannot be satisfied with this result. We have to question ourselves, find our drive,” Mbewe added.

The Gambia beat Tunisia 1-0 courtesy of a late Alagie Saine header which sent the Young Scorpions to the summit of Group C.