Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala showcased their class during Zambia’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Copper Bullets marched on in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Much like that of the first match, Zambia got the game off on the front foot and asserted themselves on the ball early on. With around 10 minutes on the clock, the travelling side bossed the possession count and threatened the Lesotho backline on a couple of occasions.
Zambia took the lead in the 13th minute after Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka broke the offside trap and breached the Lesotho backline.
With a long ball played into the area, Sakala squared the ball into the box as an on rushing Daka found the back of the net while warding off two defenders.
Chipolopolo remained in charge of the tie half-way through the first 45 but made little inroads toward the Lesotho goal. Nonetheless, the home team struggled to get in the game and were reduced to guarding their own quarters.
As the referee called time on proceedings, Zambia ended the half on a high and headed into the break unscathed with their 1-0 lead intact.
Lesotho rang in the changes five minutes after the restart in an attempt to change the complexion of the game. However, Zambia remained in control of the tie and actively searched for another goal. Sakala and Daka linked up well going forward and often had the Lesotho defence on high alert with their creativity in the final third.
The duo’s pressure paid off in the 68th minute and combined well to double Zambia’s lead. After collecting the ball on the right hand side of the penalty box, Sakala played an accurate ball toward the goal with Daka being on hand to guide the ball home.
With a two goal cushion, Zambia continued to attack and got forward on numerous occasions. However, as the game died down, the visitors became more cautious with their build-up play.
As the referee blew the fulltime whistle, Zambia walked away with all three points in the bag with a 2-0 win at the Dobsonville Stadium.
Lesotho: (0)
Zambia: (1) 2 (Daka 13’ 68)
Lesotho: Moerane, Ramabele (Thabantso 52’), Senkoto, Makepe, Tseka, Mokokoane (Mopeli 52’), Rasethuntsa, Lebokollane (Toloane 88’), Malane (Mokhachane 52’), Makateng (Lintsa 82’), Mafatle
Zambia: Nsabata, T. Mwape, Musonda, Chepeshi, B. Sakala (Kapumbu 45’), Kabwe, L.Banda (Chilufya 81’), E.Banda, Kangwa (Chama 80’), F.Sakala, Daka (Musonda 90’)