The positive energy around the cursory attractive squad he named for the clash was questioned by fans, with the notable benching of Enock Mwepu for over 80 minutes. Sven Vandenbroek started his reign as Chipolopolo coach with an underwhelming 1-all draw against Namibia in Windhoek.
Vandenbroek started with a double pivot that had two holding midfielders in Salulani Phiri and Nathan Sinkala. Namibia drew first blood in the 78th minute through substitute Benson Shilongo who walked through the Zambian defense sweeping aside a feeble footed Stoppila Sunzu and Kabaso Chongo who hitherto had been having a good game.
With fans wondering why Mwepu was left on the bench Vandenbroek brought off Phiri for Lubambo Musonda with the Armenia based midfielder adding some spark in the attack. Musonda came close in the 86th minute with his effort tipped away by Virgil Vries in the Namibia goal.
Mwepu was brought on almost as an afterthought with Zambia trailing Namibia 1-0 and he made an instant impact with his call for a penalty wished away by the Burkinabe referee after Tiberius Lombard handled in the box.
Orlando Pirates’ Justin Shonga came to the rescue in added time with a well-struck freekick deep in added time to give Zambia some respectable finish but still swimming in troubled waters.
Both teams were rooted at zero points before this match with Guinea Bissau and Mozambique on three points after wins on matchday one. Zambia has collected one point out of a possible six so far.
Source: Zambianew365com
