CLIFFORD MULENGA’S CORNER
ZAMBIA VS BURUNDI: AN HONEST ASSESSMENT
Yesterday’s performance was below the standards expected of the Zambian national team. While responsibility must be shared between the technical bench and the players, it is important to look beyond the result and examine the technical, tactical and game-management shortcomings that contributed to the disappointing display.
At international level, results are often determined by the quality of decisions, tactical discipline and the ability to manage different phases of a match. Unfortunately, we fell short in several of these areas.
Technically, some players were simply not at their best.
Tactically, I believe the technical bench got the starting lineup wrong. I would have preferred Chanka Zimba upfront ahead of Derrick Bulaya, while Owen Tembo should have partnered Miguel Chaiwa in midfield, allowing Kangwanda more freedom to operate closer to the striker.
Kangwanda dropping so deep to collect balls from our centre-backs was particularly puzzling. We needed him operating in more advanced areas, and again, no one on the bench seemed to have noticed that.
Edward Chilufya was lively and worked hard, although he lacked sharpness, perhaps due to limited regular playing time at club level.
Fashion Sakala was a shadow of himself on the left wing. He struggled to influence the game, yet the technical bench kept him on the pitch for too long. Prince Mumba also looked short of rhythm and will need to settle into the team quickly.
Game management was another major concern. The substitutions suggested that the technical bench failed to read the changing dynamics of the match. When leading, you must recognise where the opposition is gaining momentum and make timely changes to restore balance and control. We failed to manage our advantage properly and made shockingly poor substitutions.
Defensively, Dominic Chanda also needs to demonstrate greater leadership and responsibility, particularly as one of the more experienced players in the setup.
Collectively, we looked uncoordinated and struggled to understand and respond to Burundi’s game plan.
Let’s be honest about the goals: our goal came from a defensive mistake by Burundi, while theirs came from poor play on our part. We cannot mistake those circumstances for evidence of good attacking football.
THE WAY FORWARD
A massive response is required in Bujumbura. Not to prove critics wrong, but to demonstrate tactical discipline, collective responsibility and the determination to get three points.
AFCON 2027 qualification remains the priority. The coaches must get their decisions right, and the players must take responsibility.
The response must be on the pitch.
Clifford Mulenga
International Football Consultant & Analyst