Angola, Zambia share spoils in thriller as Namibia hold Lesotho

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday December 6, 2010 00:00

 

In another game at the same venue, Namibia fought back from 2-0 down to hold Lesotho in a dull match played in sweltering heat.

Zambia and Angola played free-flowing football, attacking each other with vigour from the first whistle. The match became a bit tense with some crunching tackles and referee Kutlwano Leso had to stamp his authority by sending Angola's Jose Baiao for an early shower for dangerous play. Angola drew first blood in the 15th minute through Xavier Vunge's beautifully taken free-kick from close range.

It did not take long for Zambia to reply as Chakwa Lungu equalised three minutes later. Angola took the lead again in the last minute of the first stanza through another free kick this time taken by Carlos Sequeira. On resumption, the Zambians wasted several clear chances that could have wrapped up the game for them. They had to wait for a 70th minute penalty to get an equaliser. Moses Phiri converted what turned out to be the last goal of the match.

Meanwhile, Namibia came from two goals down to force a 2-2 against Lesotho in Lobatse. The heat seemed to have an adverse effect on the players' performance as the first half failed to produce sparks. Lesotho took the lead when Tsebang Lebata scored a tricky overhead kick after Namibia goalkeeper Collin Ndjai failed to deal effectively with a throw-in.

Lesotho doubled their lead five minutes after the break with Litsepe Marabe's thunderbolt from outside the box.

The Namibian technical team made a double substitution in the 63rd minute and reaped the benefits. The substitutes changed the complexion of the game and captain Sadney Urikhob led by example, pulling one back in the 73rd minute before scoring the equaliser seven minutes later to tie the match 2-2.

In Molepolole, Madagascar thrashed Seychelles 5-0 to go top of Group D. Zimbabwe is currently on top of Group A after beating Botswana 3-0 in the opening match on Friday. Lesotho and Namibia are top of Group B with a point each. In Group C, Zambia and Angola both have a point at the top. The games continue today when Lobatse and Molepolole host two matches each. The first match in Lobatse will see South Africa fight with Lesotho followed by the duel between Seychelles and Mozambique. In Molepolole, Mauritius will play Angola before Botswana takes on Swaziland in a do or die affair this afternoon.