Zambia bounced back from their disappointing defeat to Algeria with a 2-0 victory over Togo in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, responding strongly to Friday’s 3-1 loss in Tizi Ouzou.
Albert Kangwanda gave the Chipolopolo Boys an early lead before Eliya Mandanji sealed the victory with a stoppage-time finish, earning Zambia three valuable points in front of their home supporters. The result lifts Zambia into second place in Group I with three points, one point behind leaders Algeria, who drew 2-2 with Burundi after surrendering a two-goal advantage.
Interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina made two changes to the side that started against Algeria, with Patson Daka and Joseph Liteta dropping to the bench. Obino Chisala and David Simukonda were brought into the starting XI as Zambia looked to respond immediately to their opening-day defeat.
Togo coach Patrice Neveu also made three changes to the team that had defeated Burundi 1-0, bringing Charles Abi, Samsindin Ouro and Loic Bessile into his starting lineup.
Zambia could not have asked for a better beginning. The hosts took the lead after just three minutes, with Kangwanda producing a powerful finish from inside the box to put the Chipolopolo 1-0 ahead.
The early goal gave Zambia confidence and they continued to threaten the Togolese defence. The hosts came close to doubling their advantage in the 15th minute when a dangerous cross from the right found Kingstone Mutandwa at the far post.
Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Bacola had been caught out of position, leaving Zambia with an excellent opportunity, but the visitors managed to clear the ball off the line and prevent the Chipolopolo from extending their lead.
Mutandwa was presented with another opportunity four minutes later after Kangwanda picked him out unmarked inside the box following a swift counter-attack. However, the Servette FC striker could not make the most of the chance, sending a tame effort towards goal.
The game was then interrupted in the 21st minute when the floodlights at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium went off, bringing play to a temporary halt.
After an 18-minute delay, the match resumed, with Togo immediately looking for a response. The visitors began pushing forward in search of an equaliser, and Samsindin Ouro came close with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the Zambia goal.
The physical nature of the contest continued to produce challenges, with Matthews Banda receiving a yellow card shortly before half-time for a high elbow on Dermane Karim.
Togo created another dangerous moment in stoppage time when Kevin Denkey capitalised on a poor back pass and raced towards the Zambia goal. However, goalkeeper Willard Mwanza was equal to the threat and made the necessary intervention to preserve Zambia’s lead.
The first half eventually came to an end with Zambia still holding their 1-0 advantage, following an extended period of stoppage time caused by the floodlight failure.
Lwandamina’s side suffered an injury setback early in the second half when Miguel Chaiwa was forced to leave the pitch in the 53rd minute. Owen Tembo was introduced as his replacement.
Zambia were forced into another change in the 65th minute when David Simukonda was withdrawn and replaced by Lameck Banda. The former Lecce winger almost made an immediate impact, but his effort was blocked as Zambia searched for a second goal.
With Togo still posing a threat and Zambia looking to inject fresh energy into the attack, Lwandamina made a further double substitution in the 73rd minute. Kingstone Mutandwa and captain Fashion Sakala were withdrawn, with Gamphani Lungu and Eliya Mandanji coming on.
The visitors pushed forward in the closing stages as they attempted to find an equaliser, but Zambia’s defence held firm and protected the narrow advantage.
The Chipolopolo eventually put the result beyond doubt in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Mandanji finished from close range after being picked out by Matthews Banda.
The late goal sparked relief and celebration inside Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, confirming a 2-0 victory and ensuring Zambia collected their first three points of the qualifying campaign.
The victory represents an important response from the Chipolopolo following the 3-1 defeat to Algeria. Rather than allowing the opening setback to derail their campaign, Zambia recovered on home soil and secured a result that puts them back into the early qualification picture.
The Group I standings remain tight after Algeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Burundi. Algeria now lead the group on four points, while Zambia move into second place on three points. Togo and Burundi remain on three points and one point respectively based on the opening results.
For Lwandamina, the victory also provides a foundation to build on as he continues his interim spell in charge of the national team. Zambia showed attacking intent from the opening minutes, while the late goal ensured that the three points were secured after a difficult final period.
The Chipolopolo will now turn their attention to the remainder of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with the objective of building on the victory over Togo and remaining in contention for qualification.
Group I Results
Algeria 2-2 Burundi
Zambia 2-0 Togo
Group I Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 4 |
| 2 | Zambia | 3 |
| 3 | Togo | 3 |
| 4 | Burundi | 1 |
