Uganda Cranes fall to Zambia in CHAN 2018 opener

CHAN 2018 (Group B):

• Zambia 3-1 Uganda
• Namibia 1-0 Cote D’Ivoire

Zambia registered a comprehensive 3-1 group B victory at the CHAN 2018 match played on Sunday in Marrakech.

The Zambians who had also beaten beat Uganda 1-0 at the same stage two years ago in Kigali took the lead through Lazarous Kambole in the 38th minute.

Kambole slotted the ball past Uganda’s goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan following Ernest Mbewe’s assist.

KCCA striker Derrick Nsibambi replied quickly after two minutes with a spectacular half volley that found the Zambian goalie Toaster Nsabata napping as the two sides returned to the lockerrooms tied one all.

Augustine Mulenga restored Zambia’s lead on 63 minutes, thanks to another Kambole assist.

Fackson Kapumbu’s 71st minute free-kick deflected off the head of Tadeo Lwanga past Ochan for Zambia’s third that elevated them aloft group B.

Meanwhile, debutants Namibia smiled to 1-0 victory against Cote D’Ivoire in the other group match.

Charles Hambira headed home from a Riaan Hanamub free-kick in added-on time to hand the Brave Warriors their first ever win at the championship.

Uganda and Cote D’Ivoire have no point yet.

Uganda Cranes next game shall be against Namibia on 18th January 2018 in Marrakech.

Man of the Match: Lazarous Kambole (Zambia)

Team Line Ups:

Uganda Cranes XI:

Benjamin Ochan (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Denis Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Tadeo Lwanga, Milton Karisa, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Allan Kyambadde, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Derrick Nsibambi

Changes:

70’ Shaban Muhammad On, Ibrahim Sadam Juma Off

80’ Nelson Senkatuka On, Allan Kyambadde Off

Subs Not Used:

Keni Saidi (G.K), Isma Watenga (G.K), Abubakar Kasule, Joseph Nsubuga, Musitafa Mujuzi, Moses Waiswa Ndhondhi, Rahmat Ssenfuka, Aggrey Madoi, Paul Mucureezi

Head coach: Louis Serge Sebestien Desabre (France)

Zambia XI:

Toaster Nsabata (G.K), Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu, Adrian Chama, Ziyo Tembo (Captain), Donashano Malama, Kondwani Mtonga, Ernest Mbewe, Augustine Kabaso Mulenga, Lazarous Kambole, Alex Ng’onga

Subs:

Moses Mapulanga (G.K), Allan Chibwe (G.K), John Mwengani, Lawrence Chungu, Chanda Mushili, Martin Phiri, Mike Katiba, Larry Bwalya, Godfrey Ngwenya, Jackson Chirwa, Isaac Shamujompa, Friday Samu

Head Coach: Wedson Witson Nyirenda (Zambia)

Officials:

Center Referee: Mehdi Abid Charef (Algeria)

1^st Assistant Referee: Mokrane Gourari (Algeria)

2^nd Assistant Referee: Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso)

Fourth Official: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

Commissioner: Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Nigeria)

General Coordinator: Amadeo Nguema Ondo Bindang (Equatorial Guinea)