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Senegal 1-2 Zambia: Chipolopolos tame Teranga Lions to top Group A at 2012 AFCON
A star-studded Teranga Lions side looked shell-shocked as the Chipolopolos spared no chance to slot in two goals to top Group A at the AFCON.
By Kent Mensah
Getty
Two first half goals from Emmanuel Mayuka and Rainford Kalaba ensured Zambia earned all three points in its opening 2012 Africa Cup of Nations game against favourites Senegal.
A second half consolation by the West Africans was not enough to give them a point.
Highly rated Senegal failed to live up to the bill as a well-composed Zambia squad controlled most parts of the game, at least the first half to the surprise of many, who never thought a goal from the southern Africans could have occurred as early as the 11th minute, which came through Mayuka.
The BSC Young Boys striker put coach Herve Renard’s charges in the lead with a free header that came as a result of lousy defending from Senegal coach Amara Traore’s side. The 21-year-old headed in from three yards past goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
Senegal threatened to get the leveler two minutes later, but a free kick from Mamadou Niang followed up by a header from Moussa Sow was pushed out by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
The Copper Bullets were on top of their game as captain Christopher Katongo controlled affairs for the southern Africans, with one of his passes splitting the defense of the Teranga Lionsto find Kalaba, who eventually fired past Coundoul to increase their tally in the 20th minute.
The Senegalese were found wanting, especially in defense, anytime the Zambians headed towards their goal mouth, allowing the underdogs to maintain the scoreline through the break.
The Teranga Lions added some spark into their game with the introduction of Papiss Demba Cisse. It appeared coach Traore’s half time briefing and changes were not enough to overturn the deficit, but though they managed to produce a consolation courtesy of Dame N'Doye. The Copenhagen striker chested down from a long free kick and then fired past Mweene.
In spite of the western African side's determination to live up to expectations – they even hit the crossbar – the Zambians held on to their win to top Group A on three points with an advantage in goals scored over co-host Equatorial Guinea, which defeated Libya in the tournament opener.
A second half consolation by the West Africans was not enough to give them a point.
Highly rated Senegal failed to live up to the bill as a well-composed Zambia squad controlled most parts of the game, at least the first half to the surprise of many, who never thought a goal from the southern Africans could have occurred as early as the 11th minute, which came through Mayuka.
The BSC Young Boys striker put coach Herve Renard’s charges in the lead with a free header that came as a result of lousy defending from Senegal coach Amara Traore’s side. The 21-year-old headed in from three yards past goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
Senegal threatened to get the leveler two minutes later, but a free kick from Mamadou Niang followed up by a header from Moussa Sow was pushed out by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
The Copper Bullets were on top of their game as captain Christopher Katongo controlled affairs for the southern Africans, with one of his passes splitting the defense of the Teranga Lionsto find Kalaba, who eventually fired past Coundoul to increase their tally in the 20th minute.
The Senegalese were found wanting, especially in defense, anytime the Zambians headed towards their goal mouth, allowing the underdogs to maintain the scoreline through the break.
The Teranga Lions added some spark into their game with the introduction of Papiss Demba Cisse. It appeared coach Traore’s half time briefing and changes were not enough to overturn the deficit, but though they managed to produce a consolation courtesy of Dame N'Doye. The Copenhagen striker chested down from a long free kick and then fired past Mweene.
In spite of the western African side's determination to live up to expectations – they even hit the crossbar – the Zambians held on to their win to top Group A on three points with an advantage in goals scored over co-host Equatorial Guinea, which defeated Libya in the tournament opener.
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Prince Oniangue
Midfielder Congo |
2 | 1 |
|
T. Mputu
Striker RD Congo |
2 | 0 |
|
Atusaye Nyondo
Striker Malawi |
2 | 0 |
|
A. Kaluyituka
Striker RD Congo |
2 | 0 |
|
Léger Djimrangar
Defender Chad |
2 | 0 |