Avram Grant’s Zambia outfit cemented their place at the top of Group G in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier following a 2-0 victory against Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Liberia, on Tuesday night.
Sierra Leone looked bright during the early stages of the match as Augustus Kargbo and Issa Kallon looked to threaten the Zambia goal from range.
With the Leone Stars applying early pressure, Zambia found themselves playing on the back foot inside the first 10 minutes of the encounter.
Zambia struggled to get into the game after 20 minutes on the clock while Sierra Leone continued to boss the ball possession count.
However, Kennedy Musonda looked lively for the Copper Bullets in attack, especially during counter attacking situations.
In what was a largely cagey affair midway through the first-half, neither side created any notable scoring opportunities going forward.
However, the Copper Bullets began to fire at the Leone Stars, as seen in attacks from Joseph Sabobo and Stoppila Sunzu en-route to goal.
Nevertheless, the first half ended with the score tied at 0-0 in Liberia as Sierra Leone and Zambia manufactured no more than three shots at goal between each other.
Following a bright start to the second 45, Zambia took the lead through Emmanuel Banda in the 54th minute.
After a well-worked passing move into the Sierra Leone half, Banda found the back of the net with a left-footed strike just outside the box.
With wind in their sails, the goal scoring chances fell for Zambia on a regular basis. Musonda, who threatened throughout the first half, remained a live wire in attack for his side as the hour-mark approached.
Following a period of intense pressure, Zambia doubled their advantage in the 71st minute as Musonda added his name to the scoresheet.
Soon after Sabobo struck the upright with a shot from long range, Musonda found the back of the net with a right-footed effort inside the 18-yard-area.
The Leone Stars attempted to chip away at the Zambia defence after the 80th minute, however, each attacking move was swiftly neutralised by the Copper Bullets.
Zambia managed to see the game out unscathed with a comfortable 2-0-win Liberia.
Confirmed Group G Winners! Morocco here we come! pic.twitter.com/ERci3wXcIO
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) November 19, 2024
Sierra Leone: 0
Zambia: (0) 2 (E.Banda 54’, Musonda 71’
Sierra Leone: Koroma, Jalloh, Silah (Koroma 61’), Fornah (Conteh 66’), Samadia, Micheal, Dunia, Kaikai (Dumbuya 67’), Kargbo, Kallon (Turay 76’), Bakayoko (Kamara 76’)
Zambia: Nsabata, Kapumbu, Kambamba (Chama 69’), Kangwa ( Kampamba 92’), Sabobo (Bwalya 91’), Banda (Mafwenta 69’), F.Musonda, Chongo, Chisala, K.Musonda (Mwepu 80’), Sunzu
