The clash between Tanzania and Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a relatively recent one, but it's already filled with drama and significant moments. Their recent encounter in the 2024 AFCON added another chapter to their shared history.
Tanzania's aspirations for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations victory in 44 years were shattered when a resilient 10-man Zambia managed to secure a late 1-1 draw in their Group F match in San-Pedro on Sunday.
Key Moments from the Recent Match
The match was filled with pivotal moments that ultimately shaped the outcome:
- Early Lead: Simon Msuva put Tanzania ahead with a goal in the 11th minute.
- Red Card: Zambia's captain, Roderick Kabwe, was sent off before halftime, putting his team at a disadvantage.
- Equalizer: Patson Daka scored in the 88th minute, salvaging a draw for Zambia.
Earlier that same Sunday, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo also ended their match in a 1-1 draw. This outcome left all four teams in Group F with a chance to advance to the knockout stage. Morocco leads with four points, DR Congo and Zambia each have two, and Tanzania has one point, heading into the final group matches on Wednesday in the Ivory Coast.
Tanzania was under the guidance of caretaker coach Hemed Suleiman. This was after Adel Amrouche faced suspension by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and subsequent dismissal by the Tanzanian Football Federation. CAF's decision to ban the Algerian coach for eight matches followed his controversial claim in a TV interview that Moroccan officials were influencing the appointment of match officials and kick-off times.
Read also: Planning Your Tanzania Safari
Both teams made significant changes to their lineups following disappointing performances in their opening matches four days prior in a group that included Morocco. Tanzania suffered a 3-0 defeat against Morocco, collapsing in the closing stages after a red card reduced them to 10 men. Meanwhile, Zambia was fortunate to secure a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
Historical Context
Zambia entered the match as favorites, aiming to secure their first Cup of Nations victory against Tanzania. However, they soon found themselves trailing.
The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) conceded possession cheaply in their own half, leading to a swift counter-attack that allowed an unmarked Msuva to fire the ball past goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga.
Msuva was instrumental in Tanzania's qualification for the tournament. He scored two of their three goals during the qualifying campaign. However, he has been without a club since his departure from Algerian side JS Kabylie last September.
A disappointing first half for Zambia took a turn for the worse when Kabwe received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the match. The second caution was issued after Kabwe elbowed rival captain Mbwana Samatta, leading to several minutes of heated protests from the Zambian player before he left the field. In the aftermath of the sending-off, the Benin referee issued a yellow card to Zambia's coach, Avram Grant, who previously managed Chelsea and West Ham United, due to his visible anger.
Read also: Recipes from Tanzania
Daka, Zambia's most prominent player with Premier League experience at Leicester City, made a significant impact just past the hour mark. He surged towards the goal, forcing a notable save from Aisha Manula. Zambian pressure eventually paid dividends through Daka, whose powerful near-post header from a corner left Manula with no chance.
Zambia's AFCON Struggles
Since their stunning victory against the Ivory Coast in the 2012 final, decided by a penalty shootout, Zambia has struggled to replicate that success in the Cup of Nations. They have failed to win in eight subsequent matches and did not qualify for the past three editions.
Tanzania approached this match with a poor record of one draw and six losses from three appearances at the African football showpiece.
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | 8 | 0 | ||
| Tanzania | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
Zambia v Tanzania | AFCON 2023 | Match Highlights
Read also: Africa Volunteering Opportunities
Popular articles:
tags: #Zambia
