Zambia overcame an early setback against Congo, securing a 4-2 victory in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday evening.
The teams entered halftime tied at 2-2, with Silvere Ganvoula (13′) and Lameck Banda (43′) responding to early goals from Patson Daka (5′) and Mons Bassouamina (15′).
Avram Grant’s team hit the front again on 69 minutes through Fashion Sakala, and Daka sealed the win in stoppage time.
Chipolopolo took the top spot in Group E with three points in Ndola, pending Niger’s clash with Tanzania on Saturday. Morocco had a bye due to Eritrea’s withdrawal earlier this month.
In a lively first half, Daka’s fifth-minute header gave Zambia an early lead, but Ganvoula equalized for Congo eight minutes later. Bassouamina then capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 2-1 to the visitors.
Zambia aimed to level the score, with Banda hitting the underside of the crossbar on 31 minutes. Banda found the net before halftime, turning his marker and unleashing a shot.
Congo’s goalkeeper, Wolfrigon Mongondza, denied Daka’s attempt in the 62nd minute, but Sakala scored seven minutes later after a fine setup by Banda.
Substitute Edward Chilufya struck the post in the final minute, but Daka secured his second goal in the 92nd minute after a setup by Fashion Sakala.
