10-man Zambia Under 23 national team this afternoon came from behind to beat Mozambique 3-2 to book their place to the All Africa Games football tournament finals this July in Algeria.
Peter Kaumba’s side qualifies to the Algeria tournament 7-2 on aggregate after today’s comeback win in Lusaka.
Zambia were down 2-1 going into the break after Falange Mendes had put the visitors ahead with a brace.
Mendes put Mozambique in the lead in the 17th minute before Zambia equalized through Zesco United midfielder Rainford Kalaba seven minutes before the break.
Mendes restored Mozambique’s lead four minutes before halftime but no sooner had the visitors regained the lead than Kalaba was sent off for kicking an opponent just after the away sides’ second goal.
Kaumba’s side restored parity in the 62nd minute through striker Given Singuluma of South African 1st division club Bay United.
Konkola Blades striker Felix Nsunzu completed Zambia’s rally with the winner in the 79th minute to record his 3rd goal in the All Africa Games qualifiers.
Coincidentally, Kalaba, Singuluma and Nsunzu all scored in the 1st leg played in Maputo on March 31 that Zambia won 4-0 with the latter player contributing two goals.
Zambia now looks ahead to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games group stage qualifiers that kickoff in June with the draws due to be made on April 17 in Zurich.
And at the All Africa Games, Zambia are in Group B together with hosts Algeria, Egypt.
The 4th and final Group B slot will be decided between Senegal and Guinea who are level at 1-1 from their 1st leg match in Dakar and are in action in the final leg this weekend in Conakry.
Our defense was so porous to aloow the two goals that the Mambas scored. Kaumba should reinforce the Defense tha Strikers are good. Above all, good job huys and go Zambia and conquor.
well done Under 23,That is great.I would only want to advise my very good friend Deco Kalaba to keep his temper down, He is a great football player with all the skills.
I read that he was sent off again in a match against National assembly.
Please Deco, keep your cool down, we love you so much and we wanna see you succed through out your carer.
Wishing you all the best.
Mac
Canada