Zambia’s Chipolopolo dampen Lions Russia 2018 hope

The Chipolopolo of Zambia held Cameroon to a 1-all tie in Limbe to secure their first point after their second Group B match. The hope of the Lions to be in Russia in 2018 is thus dampened, as they now sit second in Group B with just two points after two games.

                With just some few minutes into the game, a great left footed strike from Benjamin Moukandjo was stopped by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene who was called to make a save in the sixth minute to deny the Lions skipper a curtain raiser.

                After absorbing the pressure, Chipolopolo came close in the 30th minute when Mbesuma connected with ChisambaLungu’s cross on the left flank, but the forward’s effort went wide not troubling goalkeeper, Joseph Ondoa.

                Showing signs of seeking nothing but a draw, four minutes later, RainfordKalaba’s cross found Collins Mbesuma who was able to find the back of the net to give the visitors the lead at the 34thminute.

                In the dying minutes of the opening half, Lions received a penalty when a Zambian defender handled the ball in the box, Aboubakar netted beating Mweene to make it 1-1 as both sides go on recess.

                Cameroon will again take control of the game in the second half but however, failed to increase tally.

                Their efforts at goal were frustrated by goalkeeper Mweene who produced a fine save to deny Aboubakar from a wonderful header to concede a corner on the far post. Despite consistent pressure from Cameroon, they failed to get the winner as both sides shared the spoils.