Zambia took early command of Group A when they beat Guinea 1-0 before a packed Heroes Stadium in Lusaka in the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations match.Man-of-the-match Patson Daka was the toast of the crowd when he powered home a 48th minute strike that handed the host nation maximum points in the opening fixture.
Zambia thought they had won an early free kick in the second minute when Daka was brought down on the edge of the Guinean penalty area Mohamed Camara but referee Juste Zio waved play on. The Guineans were happy enough to have the Zambians coming at them opting to soak the pressure.
Boyd Musonda had put through Daka in the 11th minute but the Liefering striker was waved offside. The Guinean defender Camara was having a torrid time and had to be on alert to clear off a dangerous ball across the face of goal that had Musonda lurking in the background. Guinea had Naby Bangoura asserting himself over the Zambians and almost forced skipper Solomon Sakala into a hurried clearance in the 18th minute. Enock Mwepu came close for Zambia in the 21st minute with header that went wide following a corner by Conlyde Luchanga.
The Guineans were back as a goal threat in the 33rd minute when Bangoura was left clear of goal but his effort was ballooned with Mangani already beaten.
The two sides went to the break with Zambia ruing wasted opportunities that forced coach Beston Chambeshi pulling off Luchanga for midfielder Emmanuel Banda. A more attack minded Zambia emerged from the dugout with substitute Banda testing Sekouba Camara before finally Daka hit the target. Guineans had a good chance in the 52nd minute when Momo Yansane attempted to chip his effort over an out of position Mangani, but the Zambian goalkeeper was alert to make a save. With the pitch sodden under some rain the players slowed down their match and duly settled the duel via 1-0 result.
Meanwhile, Egypt played a goalless draw with Mali. Zambia next match is against Mali on Wednesday while Guinea will face Egypt.
Photo Credit : Fazfootball
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