Zamfest 2017: Eat, Play, Love.

When I’m not about football I’m about the good vibes. Have a read.

Quirky Boi

Foodies and fatties assemble!

The pre-fest hype was real.

My taste buds were ready.

I deliberately had a quick tiny breakfast to save room for all the chow I was anticipating at “Zambia’s biggest and first of it’s kind food festival”. I am not much of a foodie, I’m more of a fattie. Anything that tastes good to me I will devour in seconds, no refined pallets and all the fancy smanshy talk you hear on the Food Channel. Anything that doesn’t taste good I will pretend to like (because I don’t like to hurt people’s feelings) but probably pick at it like a bird till it looks like I ate some.

I was really excited for this particular fest because it was also SQUAD DAY for my best friends and I. Every now and then we go out and act a fool as a group because adulting won’t allow…

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Nothing Happened 👀

Some very dangerous rumors that the Under-20 boys suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of their hosts South Korea. I’m here to dispell these rumors and clarify that 4-1 is actually just a poor translation from Korean. In Zambian english the game has actually been postponed.

Updates for when the game will actually be played and our lads actually show up will be communicated in due course. In the mean time you are welcome to find updates of the rumored defeat from here.

ZAMBIA OPEN ECUADOR

That title isn’t my best work, but it’s still funny. Not quite Times of Zambia, but not particularly terrible.

The Zambia Under-20 continued their good form at the Invitational Tournament held by World Cup hosts South Korea and you can’t help but feel these lads have got something special going for them.

Many chances were spurned for either team but in the end the better of the chances fell to the Zambians and you could say on that front they deserved the points. A defence splitting pass allowed Edward Chilufya to put the ball past the keeper for Zambia’s first goal. The goal was made by that assist and it’s a shame I couldn’t see who made it. 4 defenders were completely taken out of the picture it was incredibly well done and kudos to Chilufya for his composure.

The second goal was quite something as well. The Ecuadorians had a half chance at our end that was blocked and quickly dispatched for a counter. Joseph Phiri latched on to the ball and with a filthy back heel found himself ahead of the defender. He passed the ball to Mwepu who ran right through the defence and smashed the ball high into the net. Near the end of the match. Many praises were sang of Mwepu before the start of the Afcon and they were definitely deserved after watching that goal. He’s got the makings of big lanky midfielders like Pogba, Viera and Toure with more speed that people probably expect. Which may be why the Ecuadorian defenders seemed a little surprised at how quickly he got past them. They missed his run completely and found themselves playing catch-up with a large shadow. Another great goal and will certainly keep the spirits high for the lads.

We face the hosts next and they were involved in a goal thriller emerging 3-2 victors over Honduras. Will be interesting to see how we cope with a home crowd against us. But if there’s a team that can make it it’s ours.

Look  forward to the highlights as coverage is obviously non-existent. I’ll try look for some streams so I can tell you properly how the lads do. No promises though.

That’s all from me. Well done Zambia. We go again.

ZAMBIA DRAWN IN GROUP C FOR “CHAMPIONS”

Image courtesy of FIFA

Draw done. Let’s go to South Korea! Home of Samsung, etc, etc.

Biggest tests will likely be Portugal and Costa Rica and looking at our African counterparts we’ve probably been dealt a favorable hand.

The tournament kicks off on 20th May 2017 with our first match to be played on the 21st.

Time to stock up on that coffee. It’s gonna be electric.

Weleee iwe!

HATERS WILL SAY IT’S JUJU – ZAMBIA CROWNED

I’m not even going to apologise. Y’all must be used to me disappointing you.

👀

Okay. I’m sorry. I was well and truly occupied this past week but I did catch both the semi and the final and they were certainly enjoyable affairs.

After a impaling the Amajita who put up a heck of a fight before succumbing to a lone goal via teargas in extra time the stage was set for us to face Senegal.

I’d like to delve a little into that teargas bit though. ZP. Honestly. I know many of us didn’t take or enjoy physics or geography for that matter but at least we must have surely, surely sat downwind of a smokey fire. Anyway. Luckily it didn’t have any serious implications from lesser ones such as fines to much more grave ones such as stampedes. Fans were in high spirits and just wanted to get on with it which was good for us and not for South Africa who seemed to come off worse and finally let their guard down after showing very admirable resolve.

Onwards we marched to a very strange final. Two costly mistakes by Senegalese keeper Sarr (short for “Is it too late now to say Sarry”) and a failed attempt at what appeared to be black magic were enough to see us lift the trophy. For me personally it was just a bunch of mind games to throw the young bullets off their game, but it proved unsuccessful in the end. All the lolz.

In truth the action in the game was limited to the “juju” and the two goals. That man again Patson Daka capitalised on the goal keeper spilling Fashion Sakala’s shot/cross thingy and squeezed the ball in at the quarter hour mark. Weleeee! Senegal were not particularly terrible and had a few chances of their own, but Zambia remained composed and Edward Chilufya got the second and final goal of the game after Sarr, a second too slow off his line, tried to clear the ball only to see it come back off Chilufya’s outstretched leg over his head and into the goal. Weleeeeee again!! Those almost never go in and demonstrate just how much football relies on luck as much as tactics and talent.

The second half was about the charms. Not those nice charms they give princes in fairy tales. Charms, juju or whatever you call them in your neck of the woods. It was all quite bizarre and save for the detailed replay I wasn’t going to believe it myself. Initially a player coming on as a sub was asked by the forth official to remove a dark cloth from his wrist band which he did with some difficulty. However, the real drama occurred when Senegal had a free kick and one of their players took a similar dark cloth and tossed it into our goal. He was spotted by an animated Mangani Banda and a whole bit of handbags ensued before the referee got some control of the lads. The freekick was poorly taken the crowd cheered and the rest of the match was a relatively uneventful formality.

Eventually the referee blew the final whistle and we went nuts. I’m certain every Zambian watching where ever they watched went nuts. Everyone was very excited for the boys who go off to South Korea for the world cup. And we will certainly follow them every step of the way.

Well done to the young Chipolopolo. You’ve done us proud and the future looks to be a bright one.

Until the next weleee! Have a good one.

ROUND THREE SEMI-FINAL BUILD UP THE WHOLE NINE YARDS

I was back in the stadium for Zambia’s final group stage match and the atmosphere was electric yet again. Getting there about 5 hours early and battling what I later realized was an allergy was evidence of how much of a fan I am. I was in good spirits and ready to conquer the day as were the young Zambians. We had an awkward start though with Egypt capitalizing on a lapse in our defending. It may or may not have been a Mohamed. There are so many of them in this Pharaohs’ squad. Anyway, whatever a goal up at half time the young Egyptian’s were sitting on top of pyramids or something thinking they got a chance. Begin the second half and the Tupolopolo quickly shot them off their throne with a great chested assist from Fashion Sakala and scissor kick by that man again Mr. Patson Daka. (I know this courtesy of replays. You don’t see those in the stadium so don’t blink or go pee). That post-goal hangover almost punished us with Egypt’s Ahmed Ali (obviously) having his shot come off the upright. Minutes later we had a glorious chance spurned after Galal found himself sliding into a sarcophagus but Patson Daka failed to make the most of it to get himself a brace.

Nearly twenty long minutes later we finally got ahead. A great cross into the box from Mwepu and Fashion Sakala scoring with his head to put us in the lead for the first time. The talent was bursting at the seams and the stadium energy allowed the lads to finish the game off with Patson Daka getting his brace. Zambia were already through and already group leaders but they certainly became favorites for the trophy during the match. 3-1 it finished.

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The second match of the group saw Guinea take on Mali and Mali were quick off the blocks with a goal in the 3^rd minute. They had the bulk of the chances for much of the game too but the weirdest penalty decision that I suspect was for a high boot in the area (the commentator didn’t seem to know) saw the Guineans level up just after half time. A few minutes later another penalty was awarded but to the Malians on account of the Guinean keeper Sekouba feeling generous with hugs. Just around 6 minutes later Guinea were level after a brilliant free kick from Sylla getting his second of the match. Camara was available to head home the winner in the 73^rd minute and guinea emerged from the group as runner’s up.

Senegal completely dominated Cameroon and managed to get 2 goals past them unanswered to emerge as winners of Group B setting up a tie with Guinea. Niane got the first goal just after before the end of the first half after a great ball to him over the top of the defense. Diatta had the second 2 minutes after the beginning of the second half and it was enough to see them through despite a couple of good chances for Cameroon.

South Africa our opponents saw off Sudan fairly comfortably in the end despite a spirited attempt from Sudan who’ve probably had the worst tournament of all the teams (well them and Mali). Mahlambi scoring first for South Africa before seeing their lead canceled out by Osman in the 25^th minute. After the break however it was all South Africa and just on the hour mark Margeman gave the Tujita the lead again with a great half volley. Mbatha made sure of the points six minutes later and we now get the chance to humble face our Southern Brothers this afternoon.

We’re nearly there. I’d certainly pit us to find ourselves in the final along with the 60,000 other people that bought tickets for the Sunday game.

Hehe all the best to you guys. Cause mayhem (In a civilized and safe way please). I reckon we will be meeting Senegal in the final, but let’s wait and see. Til then. Come on Zambia!

SECOND ROUND ROUND ROUND ROUND-UP

I’m just gonna work backwards because round 2 was OFF THE CHAIN and I have to end with the biggest scoreline I’ve seen by Zambian standards for a very long time.

We had TWENTY ONE goals in the four matches played: seven a-piece from two of those games. It was a crazy couple of days, and nothing short of entertaining. The lowest scoring game was Guinea vs Egypt, which had a paltry two goals on the scoreboard. One goal for either side, but it easily could have been more for Guinea who were well matched by Egyptian goal keeper Mohamed. The young Pharoahs took the lead courtesy of Mohamed (not the goalie) just after the half hour mark and against the run of play as the Guineans dominated proceedings until then. Not to be undone the Guineans mounted wave after wave of attack until they found the back of the net just after the hour mark. Yamodou the scorer and as it turned out savior of a point for the Guineans. More chances came after but Mohamed (the goalie) was equal to the task and it remained 1-1.

Skip over to Ndola and it was goals galore. South Africa were going into the game in high spirits and who could blame them? After convincingly brushing Cameroon aside many (myself included) might have expected them to do well against Senegal. And they got off to a great start. A goal inside a minute from Jordan and at 25 minutes Malepe had them two up. Easy pickings and they went into half time cruising… or so we thought. Ndiaye got a goal back for Senegal just after the break with a great freekick through the wall and past the keeper. Five minutes later Diagne had equalized. Five minutes later the same man put Senegal ahead. Ten Minutes later Diatta made it 4-2. It was a crazy game and few probably expected it given the way it started. No fat lady sang for South Africa, Singh did give himself a good shout for the golden boot by making it 4-3. I reckon South Africa will take the group because they face a really weak Sudanese side and will likely get enough goals.

Cameroon shook off their Southern blues by comfortably beating our Northern brothers Sudan by 4 goals to 1. Sudan may have been lucky not to lose their opening game against Senegal having had a man advantage and that luck could not have been more evident against Cameroon. Ketu had the Young Lions ahead inside 10 minutes, but it wasn’t until the second half before they got their second, third (with a Mohamed (not that one or the goalie) squeezing one in) and forth. Ayuk, Gouet and Mbaissidara the other goal scorers for Cameroon.

Enough of that. Let’s talk about our game. Six goals. Six whole goals. My lonely weleees were quite fun to yell and I loved every second of the game despite my flu. (I hate my flu). Mali made the mistake of scoring first inside 5 minutes. The Zambian fans were not silenced for long as Fashion Sakala pulled as level just two minutes later. Enter Mr. Emmanuel Banda with a screamer, a belter, a pristine volley from 25 yards out crafted by the football gods to reward the fans for their unwavering support. It was beautiful. Mali were obviously stunned and that signaled the opening of the floodgates. Mwepu guided a great cross in to the far corner with the outside of his right boot just before half time and Chilufya got the first of his two goals right in the beginning of the second half. Moments later he had his brace and Fashion Sakala capped off the floodlit stadium with a gorgeous curler beyond the fingertips of the Malian keeper into the top right corner. Incredible game and I couldn’t be more proud. The result means Zambia qualify for the U20 world cup in South Korea to be held in May. What a way to do it.

Heading to my second game of the tournament tomorrow. Tiye Chipolopolo.

U20 AFCON FIRST ROUND ROUND-UP

I began last week promising myself I’d cover every match in the U20 AFCON tournament with a review of each team. That went to two teams a day as the time rolled by. That changed to one preview before the opening. Then went to I’ll review each game. To each group. To now… When we’re already into the second round and I have not said a thing to you wonderful people. I do feel the shame. And a build-up of an unpleasant soreness in my throat that has failed to be humbled by my exaggerated intake of lozenges.

So I’m writing to you now hoping you’ll forget it all when I show you the cool pics I took at the opening match from the stairs because there was no seating available. (Thank goodness the tickets were free. Shout out Lweendo).

 

Flags and Stuff

 

Zambia won. Which was great and because Egypt drew with Mali it means we enter the second round (currently on going. No spoilers I promise) top of group A. I have to be honest we didn’t play particularly well. But neither did Guinea so ending the match with a win is even more of a bonus. I spent the first half taking pictures: it was that bad, but I put it away for the second half where a much improved Zambia took the lead. Patson Daka benefitting from a classy throughball that saw him beat the Guinean Keeper. I left a little early though, but caught the highlights and saw the Kalunga goal wrongly ruled out for offside. 1-0 it ended and the perfect start for the Hosts and ensured the sold out stadium left content.

 

Sold Out Crowds

 

 

I’d just like to address the ultimate turn-up by Zambian fans. It was incredibly overwhelming to see so many people come through to support the boys. The energy the fans create is always a much needed catalyst for the players’ performance and I have no doubt in my mind the boys are benefitting from this gargantuan home advantage. Well done fans. Keep it up. Keep it up.

This was a good shot I’m keeping it here for no reason

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Our rivals Egypt and Mali drew. Like no goals drew. Lame. Moving on to Ndola where there were a lot of goals. Senegal took on Sudan where a goal for each team in each half saw the two teams share the spoils. Senegal did see the first red card of the tournament awarded to Diarra and honestly was a little harsh. Around five minutes later the referee again added insult to injury by awarding Sudan a penalty for a foul that quite obviously occurred outside the penalty box. (Janny Sikazwe he ain’t). Mutwakil calmly slotted it home. Senegal were the better team despite being a man down and with numerous chances spurned it almost looked like they would end the day hard done by. However in the 88^th Minute Niane delivered for Senegal and it was well deserved. 1-1.

Finally boy oh boy South Africa have a player in Singh. Dude got a whole hattrick. Crazy game that saw Cameroon ahead and South Africa awoken. All that investment in football appears to be working well for South Africa and I suppose they could become just as good as us one day. One day. Lol. 3-1 South Africa and they top the group. The next post will be just too awesome. Just too awesome.

 

CAMEROON CROWNED!

I would like to begin by mentioning that Cameroon only got to the stadium less than an hour to kick off on account of traffic. I would also like to mention that the Cameroonian side that played throughout this tournament had gone through quite a bit of drama and turmoil back home and had to make do with a relatively inexperienced squad. Odds, much like El Hadary, were well beaten by this very young Cameroonian side and they very much earned the title of Champions of Africa.

It was an incredible game packed with an excellent amount of action. I’m not at all disappointed by the way things turned out in the end, even though I lost a little bit of sleep to ensure I recount the events of the match to you.  Egypt took the lead thanks to a goal by Arsenal midfield Elneny who completed a great team move with a right footed shot from the by-line. Egypt were off to the perfect start, but didn’t do more to cement their early dominance and went into the break with the narrow 1-0 margin.

In the second half Cameroon completely turned things around and were certainly the better side; their strength and pace beginning to overpower the pharoahs Pharaohs. However, many of the Indomitable Lions’ chances were sent wide (and by wide I mean to heaven) and it almost seemed they were out of luck when a great header by N’koulou put them level. Having had a great tournament up to this point El Hadary showed his reflexes were not what they used to as he almost appeared to react to the header in slow motion. The tables had definitely turned and Cameroon always looked more likely to find a winner, but the game just went on and on and I was sure I’d not sleep early enough. However with just a minute and change of regulation time left up stepped Aboubakar. My sleep savior; and I suppose Cameroon’s savior too. If you need to win a tournament, truthfully that’s how you do it. End a couple of careers and put a whole nation to shame with a little flick, chest and half volley past an aging ed goalkeeper. WELE! And just like that Cameroon were champions. Actually before that man of the tournament Bassogog pretended to be injured in hilarious fashion to kill time and his little stunt paid off. 2-1 and Cameroon sealed the Pharaoh’s tomb.

A great achievement for them and obviously the best form of revenge after their last encounter with Egypt in 2008 when they unfortunately came out the runners-up. $4 million dollars prize-money will be picked up by them and will definitely go a long way in revamping their football (the other guys get a measly $2 million (this is a joke. And by joke I mean I’m kidding)). 5 tournament wins now for them with Egypt being the only squad that has more (7). A great match. A not so great tournament for so many watch-listed players such as Aubameyang and Mahrez, but that allowed others to shine and demonstrate the immense potential African football has.

A big congratulations to Cameroon on their fantastic achievement. And also to Janny Sikazwe. Made sure Zambia got to the final somehow.

Eyes now shift to the U20 tournament to be held right here in Zambia. Very excited to see the emerging African talent. Might go to a game or two. This is what we live for.

Until then thanks for reading.

Burkinabe Glory, Tears in Ayews.

Today is the day. The final game of the tournament has arrived. Probably the only thing that has been longer than January 2017 was this tournament. This tournament was so long Donald Trump became president and implemented every single one of his campaign promises. This tournament was so long the Manchester City got a second coming of Jesus. Incredible tournament. Longer than anything and finally at its end.

Egypt vs Cameroon.

Let’s talk about yesterday. Ghana faced Burkina Faso to try and save face by getting third place. Burkina Faso were up to the challenge, however, and by the end of the match they were all over them. This seemed to suggest that Ghana had just been getting by throughout the tournament and faced obvious challenges when put against tougher opposition. In fairness Ghana did have a couple of opportunities to take the lead in the match. One scramble in the penalty area early on ended up on the crossbar while another freekick around the half hour mark from Jordan Ayew was well saved by the Burkinabe keeper Koffi (not that one). After that I honestly don’t remember Ghana making any real impact as Burkina Faso began to finally threaten. Still no goal came and many were resigned to the penalty shootout that loomed.

But as luck would have it I would be allowed to turn in a little earlier as Alain Traore scored an absolute gem of a free-kick. The right corner of the area; bullet of a left foot into the top left corner. Keeper stood no chance. Brilliant shot and given the run of play very well deserved by Burkina Faso. 1-0 to them. Bronze medal in hand showed by Andre Ayew tears. It was a complete day. Congratulations to them. And I do feel they have a chance to win the tournament in the near future. They have a powerful and disciplined squad that I have no doubt will taste glory should they continue working this hard.

I write to you watching the closing ceremony of the games. Way too many empty seats for this. Although the Cameroonian squad wasn’t in the stadium on account of traffic so maybe that’s what’s happened. Ahem. Africa ey?

We need to support each other if this game is to succeed. Your team didn’t make the final? It doesn’t matter. If it’s in your country go and watch the games. That’s the only way we will see the games grow and maybe get our first African World Cup winner. Btw the Artists are all ladies. But then again all the players are men so you know… Balance. Time to enjoy this. Final blog covering the Winner of the tournament will be coming your way tomorrow. Probably….

Can’t wait to find out who it is.