From a fan who watched the entire match and updated the site (together with Whisper) via a live text takes a look at how the Chipolopolo Boys performed individually on the night. Below is what a fan calling himself Mr. Zambia thought…And click here to watch the highlights
Kalililo Kakonje (Amazulu, RSA) – Good game with some sharp saves. Let down by some shocking defending and little he could do about both goals one which was deflected and the other which was a free point blank header though he could have done better on the third goal. Penalties are always a lottery and this time Kakonje got it wrong- 7/10
Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, RSA) -Terrible game. Don’t see why he is still in the national team set up. Had a shocker and was responsible for both goals (the penalty and failed to prevent the cross that led to the third goal)- 1/10
Elijah Tana (Nchanga Rangers) – The ageing defender failed reactive quickly for the third goal but otherwise he had an average game but was unable to steady the ship along with the others in the back line. Some good forward play and a few shots. Was definitely the best defender wearing a white shirt on the night – 5/10
Hichani Himonde (Lusaka Dynamos) - Finally his record of not having on the losing end has been broken whenever he has been in the starting line-up. Didn’t do much to impress- 3/10
Whisper’s analysis
All three goals were preventable. Two came about because our full-backs have been unable to make a tackle and have been dribbled and the other one was a crazy tackle in the box leading to a penalty.
I don’t know where to start guys. We were soundly beaten, in the end the Morocco players were just passing it around, with our guys chasing.
Renard made stupid substitutions and took off all our attacking threat, in the end we had no shape and no desire.
Collins did well when he came on, his strength caused a couple of anxious moments for them. Hachipuka did well. Sakuwaha is a revelation. Clifford looked dangerous when he was on. Rainford was alright, it looked a bit congested in the middle and he might have done better if we had moved one of our midfielders up front. Jacob was a threat, with his size and pace. It isn’t something that happens often in football but our Capt. Chris should have been subbed. He seemed more intent on fighting them than playing football. Chris is always going to try and that is a great quality to have, but I don’t think tonight was his night.
As for the defence, well…
Noah Chivuta (Supersport United, RSA) - Like Tana had an average game but nothing to write home about. Maybe Renard should have used him in midfield not in defence as he is not a defender though in home matches where the team does most of the attacking he can play as a makeshift left back. Impressive at times -5/10
Rainford Kalaba (Gil Vicente fc, Portugal) –Zambia’s man of the match in Mr. Zambia’s ( the author of these Player Ratings) opinion. Was a real threat in the first half and controlled the midfield well with Katongo. He was replaced by Emmanuel Mayuka in the second half – 7/10
Clifford Mulenga (BidVest Wits, RSA) – Back in the Chipolopolo fold after a being left out of the Germany tour and Togo match. The 21 year old was enterprising and skilful. Fitted in very well with the team and caused the Moroccan defenders some problems in the first half. Was quiet afterwards and didn’t really add anything else. It seemed when the team went to sleep so did Clifford and they stopped thiking they could win- 6/10
Kebby Hachipuka (Green Eagles)- The only holding midfielder in a 17 man squad. The 20 year old had a steady game and was cautioned in the first half- 4/10
Chrs Katongo (Arminia Bielefed, Germany) – Played well but was taken out of the game by playing too deep in the 4-5-1 formantion and constantly been fouled. He failed to close in the Moroccan midfielder for the first goal.
I think the Germany move has been very bad for Chris who wasn’t the player we know him to be. At club level, the 26 year old has been frozen out on the right wing- 6/10
Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco United) –Two weeks ago, if one told him that he will be in the starting line-up against the Arabs he could have called you insane. After impressing in the Congo friendly match on Saturday, the pacy and lanky forward earned himself a place was thrust into the thick of things after the withdraw of Fwayo Tembo. On the night Sakuwaha was impressive at times but wasteful and lacked the killer ball.- 5/10
Jacob Mulenga (Chateauroux, France)- He was a real live wirer through the first half carrying the fight to the Moroccans. Was great to see but pity he didn’t get a goal to cap an otherwise good display. He was mainly cut off as Katongo dropped to much- 6/10
Used Subs:
Collins Mbesuma went on Jacob Mulenga- Held up the ball well upfront but wasn’t a threat
Davies Nkausu in – Noah Chivuta out
Chintu Kampamba in –Elijah Tana out
Emmanuel Mayuka in- Rainfor Kalaba out
Felix Sunzu Jr in – Jonas Sakuwaha out
All the substitutes failed to stamp their authority on the match.
Unused Sub: Francis Kasonde
Fans Opinion