Zambia kicked off their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a shock 2-1 win over one of the tournament favourites Senegal.
Mayuka and Kalaba on target for Chipolopolo
Zambia kicked off their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a shock 2-1 win over one of the tournament favourites Senegal.
The underdogs started the brighter of the two sides and created early opportunities, two of which they netted with composure.
Emmanuel Mayuka opened the scoring for Chipolopolo in the 12th minute after a free-kick was not cleared by the Senegalese defence.
The free-kick was sent into the danger area and was nodded on for Mayuka who headed home with a textbook finish, leaving Bouna Coundoul with no chance to save.
Zambia's confidence grew after the strike and they doubled their lead in the 20th minute through Rainford Kalaba.
Christopher Katongo sliced the Senegal defence in half with his through-ball, finding Kalaba, who put it away calmly to extend the lead.
Rare chance
Senegal looked sluggish in the opening half, but had a rare chance on the stroke of half-time as the ball fell for Demba Ba. However, his shot was blocked as Stophira Sunzu dove heroically in front of the shot.
After the break, Zambia were comfortable on the ball while the Lions lacked a creative spark in midfield as they struggled to put pressure on their opponents.
The Lions created some chances later on as Ba was brought into play after a cross from substitute Pappis Cisse. But Ba's headed strike could only rattle the Zambian woodwork.
Substitute Dame Ndoye pulled one back for Senegal in the 74th minute. Guirane N'Daw found him with a ball in from the right and Ndoye chested it down before finishing with a powerful strike.
However, Zambia held on in the end to claim the three points and take an early lead at the top of Group A.
