Zambia 1-0 Mauritius
Tom Bakala’s 17th minute freekick earned the Junior Chipolopolo a slender victory over Mauritius in the first leg of the 2009 African Youth Championship.
Yorum Mwila tries to beat a Mauritius player as man of the match Banda ‘Thiery’ Henry looks on
In a one sided match, the Oswald Mutapa tutored boys had all the possession but only one goal to show for it.
Mutapa surprised many by relegating highly rated Zanaco whiz kid Chisamba Lungu to the bench for City of Lusaka left footed winger Evans Musonda.
Musonda, Bakala and Justine Zulu stirred Zambia’s intentions early on with the trio combining well to force three corners in seven minutes. But it was to no avail as they lacked tall target men in the box. Both Yorum Mwila and Morgan Kaoma failed to challenge the tall island centre-backs but were excellent on the ground.
After constant pressure from the hosts, Mwila was fouled on the edge of the penalty box and the Nchanga Rangers ace Tom Bakala stepped up to fire the young guns into the lead from the resulting free-kick.
The lanky Mauritius keeper Kevin Obrian was kicking himself as he let the low shot slip between his legs.
Despite falling behind, the Mauritius side kept their shape and thwarted further attacks by the home side with Bakala and Musonda making inroads on the flanks. 
Some soccer pundits believe the ‘2008 Generation’ is more talented than the ‘2007 Golden Generation but the new gems lack depth and a variety in playing style among the players.
Lusaka Celtic left-back Lameck Tembo pulled a muscle just before half time and Mutapa brought in South African bound winger Banda ‘Thierry’ Henry. The teenage sensation almost created Zambia’s second with his first touch but his pinpoint cross was mistimed by Kaoma and the follow up from Nathan Sinkala was cleared off the line with Obrian beaten.
After a half time pep talk from ‘Mourinho’ Mutapa and Chipolopolo trainer Herve Renard, the boys increased the tempo with Mutapa opting for a more aggressive 3-4-3 formation which saw goal scorer Bakala rested for crowd favourite Chisamba Lungu.
But Lungu’s Zanaco teammate Banda stole the show with his dazzling footwork cutting through the defence with his skill and pace similar to Portugal’s Quaresma, constantly threatening down the left flank.
With the fans calling for him, the midfielders yielded and gave him almost every ball they could. Wearing jersey 7, the sensational boy did not disappoint bringing even Renard to his feet in appreciation of his display.
Despite Banda’s exploits on the flank, luck was not with the junior Chipolopolo as Sinkala’s grass cutter came off on the wrong side of the post while Musonda’s screamer and Banda’s cross-cum-shot were tipped over by the Mauritius shot stopper.
‘Zambian Cristiano Ronaldo’ dazzled the crowd with his tricky footwork. Rumour has it that Banda ‘Thierry’ Henry has signed for South African PSL side BidVest Wits.
With the junior Chipolopolo camped in the opposition half, the Islanders resorted to counter attacks with substitute Persoothamah Viraj being their main threat.
Zambia will face Mauritius in the return leg a fortnight away.
Man of the Match: Banda ‘Thierry’ Henry
Zambia line up
William Chibale, Micheal Katongo, Lameck Tembo(Henry Banda 41’), Moses Mulambya, Derrick Mwansa, Nathan Sinkala(John Ching’andu 65’), Justine Zulu, Tom Bakala(Chisamba Lungu 46’), Evans Musonda, Morgan Kaoma, Yorum Mwila
Unused Subs: Kelvin Musonda, Jimmy Chisenga, Musonda Munaile.
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