Zambia needed a response after Friday’s defeat to Algeria. They got one.
The Chipolopolo Boys beat Togo 2–0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday night to get their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track.
Albert Kangwanda gave Zambia the perfect start, finding the net after just two minutes to put the hosts ahead.
It was the kind of start Zambia needed after losing 3–1 to Algeria in their opening Group I match.
The early goal also unsettled Togo, with Zambia creating further opportunities to extend their lead. Kingston Mutandwa came close on more than one occasion, but the second goal remained elusive.
Then came an unexpected interruption.
The stadium floodlights went out in the 21st minute, forcing the match to stop for about 18 minutes. ZESCO later said the power disturbance itself lasted only 0.2 seconds, but the stadium lighting system required roughly 20 minutes to return to full brightness.
When play resumed, Togo began to settle into the match.
Zambia still went into the break ahead, but the second half was less comfortable. Togo had more possession and pushed for an equaliser, while Zambia were forced into changes after injuries to Miguel Chaiwa and David Simukonda.
Interim coach George Lwandamina eventually turned to Lameck Banda, Eliya Mandanji and Gamphani Lungu as Zambia looked to protect the lead and find a second.
Togo came closest to levelling late in the game, but Zambia's defence held.
And then, deep into stoppage time, the insurance goal arrived.
Matthews Banda picked out Eliya Mandanji, who finished from close range in the fifth minute of added time to make it 2–0.
The result gives Zambia three points from two matches in Group I. Algeria remain top after drawing 2–2 with Burundi, leaving Zambia second in the group at this stage.
The victory is particularly useful coming immediately after the Algeria defeat. It keeps Zambia in the qualifying race while giving Lwandamina's interim side something to build on.
There is still plenty to work on. Zambia had periods where Togo controlled possession, and the team will need greater consistency as the qualifying campaign progresses.
But for one night, the equation was simple: Zambia needed three points, and they got them.
Zambia 2–0 Togo.
Kangwanda struck early. Mandanji finished late. And the Chipolopolo walked away with the points.
