An early strike from Albert Kangwanda and a stoppage-time finish by Eliya Mandanji secured all three points for the Chipolopolo, who moved into second place in Group I.
Interim coach George Lwandamina’s side responded after losing 3–1 away to Algeria in their opening fixture, while Togo were unable to build on their 1–0 victory over Burundi.
Kangwanda strikes early
Zambia made a dream start when Young Africans forward Albert Kangwanda fired the hosts ahead in the third minute.
Kangwanda found the net with a powerful finish from inside the penalty area, giving Zambia an early advantage in front of their home supporters.
The hosts continued to threaten, with Kingston Mutandwa coming close to extending the lead. Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola was caught out of position in the 15th minute, but the visitors managed to clear a dangerous effort off the line.
Mutandwa had another opportunity four minutes later after Kangwanda picked him out during a counter-attack, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Barcola.
The match was briefly interrupted in the 21st minute when the stadium floodlights went out. Play resumed after an 18-minute delay, with Zambia maintaining their 1–0 lead.
Zambia withstand Togo pressure
Togo pushed for an equaliser as the contest progressed, forcing Zambia to remain alert defensively.
Kevin Denkey tested goalkeeper Willard Mwanza late in the first half after capitalising on a poor back pass, but the Zambian shot-stopper kept the visitors at bay.
Zambia suffered an injury setback in the second half when Miguel Chaiwa was forced off in the 53rd minute. David Simukonda was also substituted later in the half as Lwandamina made changes to his side.
Togo continued searching for a way back into the match, but Zambia held firm as the visitors struggled to find a breakthrough.
Mandanji seals the victory
Zambia finally secured the result in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Red Arrows forward Eliya Mandanji, introduced in the second half, finished from close range after being set up by Matthews Banda.
The late goal confirmed a 2–0 victory and gave Zambia their first points of the qualifying campaign.
Zambia climb to second in Group I
The victory takes Zambia to three points from two matches, level with Togo but ahead of the visitors on the relevant group standings.
Algeria remain top of Group I on four points after drawing 2–2 with Burundi, who have one point.
Zambia will next face Burundi in back-to-back fixtures in November, with the Chipolopolo looking to build on their home victory and strengthen their bid for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Match result
• Zambia: Albert Kangwanda 3', Eliya Mandanji 90+5'
• Togo: No goals
Zambia 2–0 Togo
Group I standings
• Algeria: 4 points
• Zambia: 3 points
• Togo: 3 points
• Burundi: 1 point
Zambia’s response in Ndola puts them back on track, while Togo will look to recover when the qualifying campaign resumes.