International Friendly: Zimbabwe 0-0 Zambia
The famous Zambezi derby between two sister nations, Zimbabwe and Zambia ended all square for the 17th time in 46 outings since 1980.
This followed a goalless draw in Sunday’s international friendly match played at the National Stadium in Harare with two sides fielding largely home based players.
The Chipolopolo Stars’ attacking force of John Chingandu, Fwayo Tembo, Augustine Mulenga, Jackson Mwanza and Ronald Kampamba troubled Caps United goalie Edmore Sibanda in the opening half of the poorly attended game but to no avail.
Zimbabwe Warriors’ lone striker Prince Dube virtually struggled for a footing as the supply from the middle of the pack by the trio of Rodreck Chinyengetere , Liberty Chakoroma and Ronaldo Chitiyo was limited.
The best scoring chances for the two sides came in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Jackson Mwanza watched on in disbelief as his header went just wide in the 81st minute.
Mwanza went even closer when he cheekily beat Sibanda before shooting towards an empty net.
Two minutes later, it was Zimbabwe with a chance of their own.
Ronald Chitiyo forced a save from Keneddy Mweene, the 2013 AFCON winning goalkeeper.
Mweene. the only foreign based player fielded by Zambia, captained Wedson Nyirenda’s side.
Wada Wada was sent off in the game for protesting on the touchline.
Nyirenda has now presided over five games with one win, two draws and two losses.
His counter part at Zimbabwe, Norman Mapeza took over his first match as interim coach following the resignation of Callisto Pasuwa since the AFCON 2017 finals in Gabon.
Team Line ups:
Zimbabwe XI: Edmore Sibanda (G.K), Amini, Murwira, Partson Jaure,Dennis Dauda, W.Mhango,Chakoroma,Chinyengetere,Dzukumanja,Chitiyo,Prince Dube
Zambia XI: Kennedy Mweene (G.K), Taonga Bwembya, Fackson Kapumbu, Ziyo Tembo, Billy Mutale, Kondwani Mtonga, John Ching’andu, Fwayo Tembo, Augustine Mulenga, Jackson Mwanza, Ronald Kampamba
Subs: Racha Kola, Mumbi Mweene, Richard Kasonde, Clatous Chama, Kevin Mubanga, Justin Shonga
Additional stats from Soccer 24 and Zambia Football