Zambia responded strongly to their 3-1 defeat against Algeria by beating Togo 2-0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Albert Kangwanda gave the Chipolopolo Boys an early lead before Eliya Mandanji sealed the victory with a stoppage-time finish. The result gave Zambia three valuable points and moved them into second place in Group I. It was an important response after the disappointing result in Algeria and gave the team renewed momentum in the AFCON qualification campaign. Zambia now sit one point behind Group I leaders Algeria, who drew 2-2 with Burundi.
Interim coach George “Chicken” Lwandamina made two changes to the team that started the match against Algeria. Patson Daka and Joseph Liteta dropped to the bench, while Obino Chisala and David Simukonda were brought into the starting lineup. The changes came as Zambia looked to produce a more positive performance on home soil. Togo coach Patrice Neveu also changed his team, making three alterations after their 1-0 victory over Burundi. Charles Abi, Samsindin Ouro and Loic Bessile were brought into the starting side as Togo prepared to challenge Zambia for another important result.
Zambia made the ideal start and needed only three minutes to break the deadlock. Albert Kangwanda found the net with a powerful finish from inside the penalty area to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The early goal immediately put Togo under pressure and gave Zambia confidence after their difficult evening in Algeria. The Chipolopolo continued to attack and created several opportunities as they looked for a second goal. Their attacking approach also forced Togo to defend deep during important stages of the opening half.
Kingston Mutandwa came close to extending Zambia’s advantage in the 15th minute. A dangerous cross from the right reached the forward at the far post, but Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Bacola had been caught out of position and the visitors had to clear the ball off the line. Four minutes later, Mutandwa had another opportunity after Kangwanda found him unmarked inside the box following a quick counter-attack. The Servette FC striker, however, could not make enough of the chance as his shot lacked power. Zambia continued to create openings, but Togo remained within reach of an equaliser.
The match faced an unexpected interruption in the 21st minute when the floodlights at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium went off. The stoppage lasted 18 minutes before play could resume. Togo immediately attempted to take advantage of the disruption by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Samsindin Ouro came close with a powerful effort that narrowly missed the Zambia goal. The interruption extended the first half significantly and added another unusual element to a match that had already seen Zambia take control early.
As the first half progressed, both teams continued to compete for control of the match. Matthews Banda received a yellow card shortly before half-time after a high elbow on Dermane Karim. Togo then created another moment of danger during stoppage time when Kevin Denkey chased down a poor back pass and forced Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza into action. Zambia managed to withstand the late pressure and maintained their advantage. The first half eventually ended with the hosts leading 1-0 after an extended stoppage period caused by the floodlight failure.
Zambia faced another setback early in the second half when Miguel Chaiwa was forced to leave the pitch through injury in the 53rd minute. Owen Tembo came on as his replacement as Lwandamina adjusted his team. Another injury problem followed in the 65th minute when David Simukonda was withdrawn and replaced by Lameck Banda. The former Lecce winger almost made an immediate impact after entering the match, but his attempt was blocked. Zambia therefore had to manage both the physical demands of the match and the growing pressure from a Togo side searching for an equaliser.
Lwandamina made another tactical adjustment in the 73rd minute by making a double substitution. Kingston Mutandwa and Fashion Sakala were withdrawn, while Gamphani Lungu and Eliya Mandanji entered the match. The changes were intended to provide fresh energy as Zambia worked to protect their lead and create opportunities on the counter-attack. Togo continued to push forward as the match entered its final stages. Zambia’s defence remained disciplined enough to prevent the visitors from finding the goal they needed.
The decisive moment arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time. With Togo still searching for an equaliser, Zambia produced the late goal that finally secured the result. Matthews Banda picked out Eliya Mandanji, who finished from close range to make it 2-0. The goal ended Togo’s hopes of taking anything from the match and gave Zambia a much-needed cushion. Mandanji’s late finish also completed a strong response from the Chipolopolo after their defeat in Algeria.
The 2-0 victory has an important effect on the Group I standings. Zambia moved into second place with three points, while Algeria remained at the top with four points after drawing 2-2 with Burundi. The result means Zambia remain closely positioned behind the group leaders and have an opportunity to build momentum in their remaining qualifiers. The points gained against Togo also provide an important boost after the loss in Algeria. Zambia will now need to maintain consistency as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign continues.
For Zambia, the performance against Togo offered several positive signs. Kangwanda’s early goal provided the foundation for the victory, while Mandanji’s late finish ensured that the hosts collected all three points. The team also showed resilience after dealing with the floodlight interruption and injuries to Chaiwa and Simukonda. Zambia created several chances during the match and managed to keep Togo from scoring despite late pressure. The result gives Lwandamina and his players a stronger platform from which to prepare for their next Group I assignment.
The victory also shows the importance of responding quickly after a difficult result. Zambia could not change the outcome of the 3-1 defeat to Algeria, but they had the opportunity to react in their next match. The Chipolopolo did that by taking an early lead, defending their advantage and scoring again late in the contest. Their three points against Togo have kept them near the top of Group I and maintained their hopes of progressing through the qualification campaign. Zambia’s next challenge will be to turn this response into sustained form as the race for qualification develops.
The 2-0 win over Togo was therefore a valuable result for Zambia in their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign. Albert Kangwanda’s early strike gave the hosts a strong start, while Eliya Mandanji’s stoppage-time goal provided the final confirmation of victory. Despite the floodlight failure, injuries and periods of pressure from Togo, Zambia held on to secure three points at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. With Zambia on three points and Algeria on four after the draw with Burundi, Group I remains closely contested. The Chipolopolo will now look to build on this victory and produce consistent results in the matches that remain.