Holders Germany sensationally crashed out of the first round of the World Cup for the first time since 1938 after losing 2-0 to South Korea, with VAR used to award two injury-time goals.

Joachim Low’s side went into the game needing to match or better Sweden’s result against Mexico, but they failed to break down Korea’s dogged resistance and were undone at the last as Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min netted, while the Scandinavians romped to a 3-0 victory.

If World Cup-winning head coach Low thought his problems were behind him after a superb second half in Germany’s 2-1 win over Sweden in their second Group F game, he was wrong, and the inclusion of Mesut Ozil in the front four did little to inspire his turgid team.

Korea, with nothing to play for but pride, gave everything they had in hot conditions in Kazan and got their reward in stoppage time when Kim struck from close range and had an offside decision overturned by VAR before Son raced clear of the German defence and rolled the ball into an empty net.

Whether Germany’s failure spells the end of Low’s glorious era in charge of the national team remains to be seen, but he will certainly face questions as to why his side were so desperately lacking in cohesion in Russia and urgency when the stakes were so high.

Goal.com

The Zambia School Sports Associations (ZASSA) will be holding their annual Inter Provincial Ball Games in Mongu, Western Province.

Get Into Rugby Zambia is proud that rugby will again be on display after a successful 2017 outing which was held at Solwezi Grounds in Solwezi, North Western. The ZASSA Exco were happy with the progress of rugby as compared to other minor sporting disciplines such that they allowed the rugby finals to be played just prior to the football finals in front of a capacity crowd.

The 2017 games attracted 6 Provinces out of the 10 provinces in the country, namely, SOUTHERN, EASTERN, NORTH WESTERN, LUSAKA, CENTRAL AND COPPERBELT PROVINCES. The participants exhibited proper discipline both on and off the pitch to an extent that the organisers urged other games to take a leaf from rugby players.

What makes the 2018 Provincial Games extra special is the fact that girl’s rugby will also be on the menu. This is particularly so because most people across the country have never before seen or heard of girl’s/women’s rugby. The Get Into Rugby coordinators from Lusaka Province Mr David Manda, Central Province Mr Cyprian Mooya, Southern Province Mr Stanford Kabwata and Copperbelt Province Mr Benard Mumbo have all confirmed the participation of the female and male teams, while their counterparts from Eastern Province, North Western Province, Northern Province, Muchinga Province, Luapula Provinceand hosts Western Province will only feature boy’s teams in the rugby games.

The Inter Provincial School Ball Games is the largest gathering of young boys and girls from across the corners of Zambia who are brought together to compete in different sporting disciplines. The ages of participants ranges from 13 up to 18 years, participants are usually picked after a rigorous scrutiny which starts from Inter Classes, Inter Schools, Inter Zonal, Inter Districts and eventually culminating at the Inter Province stage.

Officially opening of the games will be on Saturday 30th June and will officially close on Wednesday 4th July, 2018 after hand over of trophies to deserving teams in each category.

The Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) will be represented by Tom Chaloba, Project Manager of Get Into Rugby, and Jeff Muwele, who is the ZRU Schools Rugby Manager for Lusaka Province.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has finally unveiled the KoPa replicas that will be rolled out in the shops next Wednesday.

During a media briefing at Football House, FAZ General Secretary Ponga Liwewe said that the association was targeting selling 150, 000 pieces in the first year.

KoPa is an indigenous brand that is wholly owned by FAZ and will provide other sports disciplines an opportunity to buy their jerseys from FAZ as a revenue stream.

“There has been immense demand from the public and we intend to sell no less than a 150, 000 replicas in the first year across the country. This is the target that we have set and it is achievable,” Liwewe said.
“Of course the biggest activity is when the team is in action, we have four Africa Cup matches coming, two at home and two away.”

Liwewe said that FAZ had finished recruiting retailers with 17 targeted across the country.
“We have undergone the process of recruiting retailers who will be distributing the brand. We are going to announce the names of those retailers and we will officially have the product in the market from next week Wednesday. We will announce the retailers so that the public can engage the retailers,” he said.

The KoPa brand was launched during the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
FAZ will be selling the replicas at K250 to make them affordable for its retailers.

Some retailers selected to sell the replicas attended the briefing at Football House.

Roan-United

Luanshya Copper Mines, the sponsors of Roan United football club have fired club Chairman Chisoni Miti for financial mismanagement.

Miti was dismissed after complaints from stakeholders who included the supporters trust and the Mine workers union of Zambia.

The mining firm has finally decided to fire Miti after stakeholders presented evidence of financial irregularities at the club.

Sources at the club have disclosed that Luanshya Mine have since appointed Operations Manager Pearson Pearson Mwale to replace Miti.

Mwale will be assisted by Sectional Engineer Perpinoh Chikumbi. The mining firm has also appointed senior procurement officer Steven Mwansa as Treasurer.

The supporters Trust and the Mineworkers Union of Zambia had complained to the sponsors that Miti was running the club like his own personal project and he had repeatedly refused to appoint a treasurer as he was handling all the money issues alone including the paying of salaries, bonuses and all allowances to the players.

“Mr Miti took advantage because the Chinese have no interest in the day to day running of the club, they simply have no interest in football so he took advantage and he was using the money the way he wished. Some of the players told us that when being paid they could sign for K6, 000.00 but only get K4, 500.00,” said a source from the supporters trust.

The sources further revealed that the players have on several occasions dragged Miti to the National Pension Scheme Authority offices in Luanshya after they discovered that their deductions were not being remitted.

“Luanshya Mine had also allowed Roan United to lease some of the properties in the sports complex and Miti was personally collecting rentals from the tenants but the money never went to Roan united, there were just too many irregularities and the man had to go”, said the source.

Miti was appointed Chairman in 2014 with the mandate to guide the once stylish Roan United back to supper league football.

The newly constituted committee has requested for an upward adjustment in the sponsorship package if the club is to win promotion back to the super league next year.

Luanshya Mine gives Roan United an annual grant of K1.65 Million per annum

Egypt may be out of the World Cup but Liverpool striker Mo Salah is still considered a hero back home – as photos circulating on social media show.

Tweeters say that after his home address in the capital, Cairo, was leaked on Facebook, fans flocked there on Thursday night.

They say that rather than hide away, the football superstar came out to greet the crowds and sign autographs – BBC.

Janny Sikazwe

FIFA’s Referees Committee has reduced the number of referees for the final phase of its 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Ian Phiri, a former player with Ndola-based club Forest Rangers, has given a shocking revelation about the black powers he sought to enhance his struggling football career, reports Makweembo Mwanasa.

In a video released to Emmanuel TV’s YouTube channel, Phiri admitted to visiting an occult shrine in Mozambique in a quest for ‘powers’.

“I went to a priest who said he would give me powers to play good football and make it in life,” the Zambian explained.

Phiri underwent a ritual in which he was stripped naked and bathed in water ceremonially boiled in a black pot. “He splashed it on me and it was very, very cold. He then told me to pass underneath his legs and never return.”

However, the dalliance with witchcraft backfired upon Phiri’s return to Zambia. Instead of boosting his career, the encounter only served to boost his lust for older women.

“From the time I went to the shrine, my football career crumbled and I began living a very reckless life,” he stated. “Anytime I looked at a woman once or twice and commanded her to follow me, she would. I began womanising, smoking and drinking alcohol all the time.”

With things going decidedly downhill, Phiri resolved to visit the famed church of Pastor T.B. Joshua in Nigeria in search of ‘deliverance’.

He explained that during the church service, his body became uncommonly hot and he “wanted to run away”.

However, when the ‘Morning Water’ from Joshua’s church was ministered to him, Phiri began to aggressively retaliate, clearly under the influence of some supernatural entity.

“I felt fire burning from my head to my toes,” he explained. “I didn’t know what was happening from that point on.”

Following his ‘deliverance’ from ‘the devil’, Phiri testified that his nightly sexual encounters with strange women in the dream had ended, as had his insatiable lust for the opposite sex.

Joshua’s church is the foremost tourist destination for religious pilgrims in West Africa with hundreds of Zambians weekly trooping to The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations in search of salvation and the miraculous.

Makweembo Mwanasa is a Zambian writer

World Cup has only eight teams remaining and all of them are just three wins away to lift the trophy. betPawa has boosted all the games to give you best odds in Zambia.

• Uruguay – France Fri 06.07 / 4:00 pm

• Brazil – Belgium Fri 06.07 / 8:00 pm

• Sweden – England Sat 07.07 / 4:00 pm

• Russia – Croatia Sat 07.07 / 8:00 pm

What is pawaBoost?

pawaBoost is a new feature where prices have been boosted on selected events. Go to betPawa site and you will find “pawaBoost” section where there are always games with best pre-match odds.

The events and markets that are boosted are marked by a lightning icon.

To use the pawaBoost odds in your favour and ‘bet small, win BIG’ we bring you key points from all the matches.

Uruguay – France

France and Uruguay secured their place in last eight with thrilling wins over big teams. France sent Argentina and Lionel Messi home, Uruguay had another brilliant display as they saw off Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal. France struggled a bit in the group, Uruguay topped theirs with only wins and no conceded goals. Kylian Mbappe has been outstanding for France as Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez has let Uruguay’s attack. Challenging game to predict. France is more experienced at big games, but Uruguay has had a notable tournament. Any result in this match – win either side or draw – will be a very close one.

Brazil – Belgium

Brazil defeated Mexico who themselves knocked Germany out of World Cup in a group stage. They cruised through their group by topping it. Belgium has a fortunate draw to face Japan, but now need to overcome Brazil. Two teams are in top three, with Brazil second and Belgium third currently in FIFA ranking. Both teams possess excellent goalscoring power, so we doubt that we see a low-affair goals game. Both sides can score, but the question is that can Belgium finally become a big team by defeating Brazil out of their way.

Sweden – England

Sweden managed to overcome Switzerland and are having fantastic tournament having reached top 8 so far. Their next obstacle is England who managed to defeat Colombia after a penalty shootout. Three Lions are favourites in this match with a lot of players playing in Premier League but Sweden is very organised, and topping group in front of Mexico, South Korea and Germany is no easy feat. England has a great chance to advance, but so does Sweden.

Russia – Croatia

Spain was expected to feature in last eight but ultimately failed to beat host Russia, who gave them a bitter flight home after 1-1 at the regular time and penalty-shootout loss. Russia is already a lot further than most predicted. Spain was one of the tournament’s favourites but could not defeat one of the weakest teams on paper. Croatia has been a top team in Europe, but unable to deliver in big matches. Win over Denmark will give them a lot of confidence as they are now in top eight. Croatia has a top midfield with a very high-quality game, but Russian fighting spirit helped them saw off Spain, and they are capable of going even further with another display like this. Will hosts fantastic run end?

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France celebrates after scoring

France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after seeing off Uruguay with the help of a terrible error by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

In terms of excitement, this quarter-final tie did not come close to Les Bleus’ win over Argentina in the last 16 but will still be remembered for the contrasting fates of the two goalkeepers, with Hugo Lloris producing a contender for save of the tournament while his opposite number made a mistake that was even more memorable.

Raphael Varane headed France into a first-half lead from a free-kick that came straight off the training field, with Antoine Griezmann checking his run before delivering the perfect cross for the Real Madrid defender to glance home.

Uruguay, with injured striker Edinson Cavani failing to even make the bench, almost struck back immediately from a free-kick of their own, but Lloris produced a brilliant diving stop to deny Martin Caceres, before Diego Godin blasted the rebound over.

The second half started with France continuing to control possession, but they were gifted the goal that made certain of their victory.

There seemed little danger when Griezmann let fly from the edge of the area but Muslera misjudged the flight of the ball, flapped at the shot, and saw it loop slowly over the line.

Uruguay, roared on by their huge travelling support, threw bodies forward in the closing stages but could not seriously trouble Lloris again.

Their run of four successive victories is over, as well as their hopes of reaching the final in Moscow on 15 July.

It is France who march on, and they will face Brazil or Belgium in the semi-finals in St Petersburg on Tuesday. Those sides play their quarter-final later today (19:00 BST).

BBC Sports

Croatia will face England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final after beating Russia 4-3 on penalties on Saturday night in Sochi, reports Michael Benson for Talk Sport.

The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of football resulted in a 2-2 draw, so the match headed to a shoot-out.

It was in this period that the Croats really demonstrated their class and Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic sent his country to their first semi-final since 1998.

The hosts began the game as the more energetic of the two sides, though were quickly subdued as Croatia gained control and quietened proceedings down.

However, it was Russia who then took the lead as Denis Cheryshev picked up a lay-off from Artem Dzyuba and smashed a left-footed drive into the top corner from 25 yards.

Croat ‘keeper Danijel Subasic could only stand and watch as Cheryshev’s wonder strike flew past him to give Sbornaya a 31st minute lead against the run of play.

Cheryshev leathered his country into the lead. Nine minutes later though, Croatia were level.

The Russian defence, which had proved so difficult for Spain to break down, offered little resistance as Mario Mandzukic drove down the left to the byline.

The Juventus striker pulled back a chipped cross for the waiting Andrej Kramaric, who headed home a simple finish from six yards and even appeared surprised himself at just how easy the equaliser was.

Kramaric headed home from six yards
In the second half Valtreni came out stronger, looking to build on their equaliser, however key men Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic were effectively neutralised by the Russians.

Ivan Perisic hit the inside of the post on 60 minutes in what was the best chance of the half, while Dzyuba headed straight at Subasic from a corner with Russia’s best effort.

As the sides were unable to separate themselves in 90 minutes, they both once again went to extra time.

Eleven minutes into the first 15, a Luka Modric corner landed perfectly for Domagoj Vida, whose strong header bounced through the Russia penalty area and into the back of the net.

Vida’s goal put Russia on the brink of elimination
But the game was not done, and with five minutes of extra time left to play, Russia won a free kick on the right hand side.

Alan Dzagoev’s delivery was perfect for the head of Mario Fernandes, who nodded in to bring the hosts back from the dead and send the game to penalties.

Fernandes refused to give up and scored a late equaliser
In a topsy-turvy shoot-out, Fyodor Smolov and Mario Fernandes’ misses ultimately cost Russia, with Ivan Rakitic scoring to send his country through to the World Cup’s final four.

STAR MAN – Danijel Subasic

At the end of normal time, it seemed Subasic was going to have to be substituted after suffering what most assumed to be a hamstring injury. However, he battled on and made multiple big saves in extra-time, as well as also stopping Fyodor Smolov’s shoot-out chip to contribute strongly to his country’s progression.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Despite the fact it was ultimately futile, Mario Fernandes’ last gasp equaliser was without doubt the moment of the match. All hope looked lost for Russia in extra time, but Alan Dzagoev came up with a sensational free kick delivery which found Fernandes and he gave the hosts one final moment of joy before their elimination.

LINE UPS

Russia XI: Akinfeev, Mario Fernandes, Ignashevich, Kutepov, Kudryashov, Zobnin, Kuzyaev; Samedov, Golovin, Cheryshev, Dzyuba.

Croatia XI: Subasic, Vrsaljko, Vida, Lovren, Strinic, Rakitic, Modric, Rebic, Kramaric, Perisic, Mandzukic.

Source: Talksport

James Chamanga

Former Zambia soccer forward James Chamanga has been appointed as Technical Director at China League One side Liaoning Kiaxin.

Chamanga who has had a very successful career at Country and Club level decided to call time on his career after he was offered the opportunity to go into management by the Top Bosses at Liaoning.

FAZ president Kamanga presents Sven a Chipolopolo shirt 

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has unveiled the new Chipolopolo coach Sven Vandenbroek with a five match target to qualify Zambia to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

And Vandenbroek says Zambia can still mend its qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Mozambique who beat the Chipolopolo in the opening Group K match.
During the unveiling ceremony at Golden Peacock Hotel, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga said the Belgian national had been given a five match task after which the two parties will review their association.

France celebrates after scoring

Belgium celebrate

France face Belgium in a semi-final game of the Russia 2018 world cup this evening.

Past records below:

France and Belgium are very familiar foes, having played each other a staggering 73 times.

France players

France will face England or Croatia in the World Cup final after edging past European neighbours Belgium in the semi-final in St Petersburg.

Defender Samuel Umtiti scored the winning goal for the 1998 champions in the second half with a towering header from Antoine Griezmann’s corner.

Didier Deschamps’ side were on the back foot for large periods of the game, but emerged victorious to reach their third final, having been beaten by Italy on penalties in 2006.

Belgium came through the quarter-finals by impressively beating Brazil, but they were unable to find the equaliser, as Axel Witsel’s powerful, long-range drive was pushed away by Hugo Lloris, who also brilliantly kept out Toby Alderweireld’s turn and shot.

At the final whistle, the France substitutes ran on the pitch to celebrate with the players, while manager Deschamps was mobbed by his staff before dancing around in a circle.

England play Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the second semi-final on Wednesday (kick-off 19:00 BST) and the final takes places at the same venue on Sunday (16:00 BST).

Twenty years ago, France won the World Cup for the first and only time in their history at home in Paris with a 3-0 win over Brazil.

That team was captained by Deschamps, who is now aiming to emulate Brazilian Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer by winning the competition as both a player and manager.

Deschamps was a holding midfielder in his day and his France side have come to characterise his playing style of functionality over flair by adopting a conservative game.

Belgium had 64% possession in the match but France kept their shape, played on the counter-attack and constantly looked to forward Kylian Mbappe, who was a constant threat with his darting runs and trickery with the ball.

The teenager, who announced himself on the global stage by scoring twice against Argentina in the last 16, played a sublime flick to put Olivier Giroud in on goal, but the Chelsea man saw his shot blocked from close range.

Although Giroud has now had 13 shots in the tournament without finding the target, he is likely to keep his place in the starting XI for the final.

Deschamps has been questioned for continuing to deploy Giroud up front in his side and has been asked why a place cannot be found for other attacking talents such as Ousmane Dembele or Thomas Lemar.

But he has answered the critics with a run to a second consecutive major tournament final after Euro 2016, when they were beaten in extra-time by Portugal.

Once France went ahead on 50 minutes they rarely looked like conceding and Belgium went out with a bit of a whimper.

By Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport

Mario Mandzukic. Photo: Gate

Mario Mandzukic scored in the 109th minute as Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time on Wednesday and reach their first World Cup final, where they will face France on Sunday, and send the Balkan nation into raptures.

England, appearing in their first semifinal since 1990, had looked on course for their first final since 1966 as they led through Kieran Trippier’s fifth-minute free kick and totally dominated the opening half.

Croatia, in their first semi since 1998, levelled through Ivan Perisic after 68 minutes and then looked the more dangerous side.

It stayed level at 90 minutes, meaning Croatia faced extra time for the third successive game, having got past Denmark and Russia on penalties.

But just when it looked as if they would become the first team to appear in three shootouts at a single World Cup Mandzukic struck with a well-taken low shot.

England had got off to a flying start when Trippier curled a superb free kick into the top corner.

It was his first goal for his country, England’s 12th of the tournament and ninth from a set-piece, but they should have added more from open play as they revelled in the space they were being given in the first half.

Harry Kane shot weakly at Danijel Subasic when through, then forced the rebound against a post and Raheem Sterling was a constant thorn in the Croatia defence, though again his final ball was too often astray.

The best chance for a second goal, however, was wasted by an unmarked Jesse Lingard when he curled wide when a goal looked certain. Croatia had been desperately poor but started to get a foothold in the game as the match rolled past the hour mark and Luka Modric’s influence grew.

England paid the price for those early misses when Perisic showed great determination to get in front of Kyle Walker to meet a curling Sime Vrsaljko cross and though his boot was arguably high, Walker was stooping and there were few complaints.

Perisic should have added another three minutes later when ragged defending presented him with a great shooting chance but he cannoned the ball against a post.

It was a different game from then on, with Croatia suddenly playing with accuracy and purpose as England lost their shape and composure, though Kane missed a chance to win it in stoppage time when he headed wide from a free kick.

Vrsaljko cleared a John Stones header off the line midway through the first extra period.

But it was Croatia who struck in the 109th minute when Perisic won a header on the edge of the box and the ball dropped for Mandzukic whose firm low finish beat Pickford.

Source: Supersport

Photo source: World Cup 2018 Facebook page

France won the Fifa World Cup for the second time by overcoming Croatia’s bold challenge in a thrilling final in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

Didier Deschamps’ side repeated the success on home soil at France ’98 by a victory margin that hardly looked possible as Croatia stood toe-to-toe with the favourites for an hour.

Croatia also felt their luck deserted them, but ultimately France ran out victorious to erase the memories of the loss to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final in Paris.

In one of the most exciting World Cup finals of the modern era, played out to a soundtrack of thunder, Croatia and France delivered an enthralling spectacle that brought the highest goal tally in a final since 1966, a pitch invasion, and a controversial intervention from the video assistant referee that had a huge influence on the outcome.

France took the lead after 18 minutes when Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick deflected in off Mario Mandzukic’s head – but Croatia were by far the better side in the first half and deservedly equalised courtesy of Ivan Perisic’s left-foot finish.

Croatia were left nursing a burning sense of injustice when France restored their lead seven minutes before half-time through Griezmann’s penalty, awarded by referee Nestor Pitana for handball against Perisic after a lengthy delay while VAR was consulted.

In a compelling second half, France looked to have wrapped it up with two strikes in six minutes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe either side of the hour mark.

Croatia, however, showed unbreakable spirit and even threatened a comeback when Mandzukic took advantage of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris hesitating over a clearance to pull a goal back.

But France closed out the win to bring redemption for Deschamps after defeat at the Euros two years ago, sparking wild celebrations and ensuring Lloris lifted the World Cup.

Quality and luck – a deadly combination

France are the team for all seasons – possessing an all-round quality that has carried them to this World Cup triumph.

When that is added to an element of good fortune, it can prove a deadly combination.

Croatia will complain bitterly that Griezmann went down theatrically for the free-kick that led to Mandzukic’s own goal, and they will also feel Perisic’s handball was not clear-cut enough for VAR to make that decisive intervention just before half-time.

What is not in doubt, however, is the sheer quality this France side possesses, a potent attack the spearhead for a strong midfield and outstanding defence.

When Croatia threatened to come back once more early in the second half, Pogba and Mbappe’s strikes from the edge of the area past the static Danijel Subasic – who still looked less than fully fit after injuring a hamstring in the quarter-final against Russia – proved the defining passage of this final.

France celebrated joyously at the final whistle after claiming the sport’s greatest trophy once more, with Deschamps – the coach whose conservative methods have often brought criticism – tossed high into the air by his players.

Source: BBC Sports News

When we the Africans of the 20th century realised that because of the racism at the World Cup we will never win the this ultimate prize in football. We then decided to trick the world and immigrate all our best football players to France. We decided to make the world face a united African team called France. So a win for France, its a win for the African continent.

France World Cup Players Of African Descent

The Zambia Rugby National Team has moved one step closer to Gold Cup qualification after beating Madagascar 31:29 at Mufulira Rugby Club on Saturday 14th July, 2018. The game which was dominated by the visitors from kick off saw the host team being pressurised.

Both Zambia and Madagascar came into the contest with a win each after beating Botswana on Sunday 08th July and Wednesday 14th July, 2018. The hosts were under pressure from the Islanders who had a better scoreline against Botswana… a situation which was very evident to all local rugby fanatics in Mufulira, whose expectations were sky high.

Zambia beat Madagascar with a minimal scoreline of 31:29. The Islanders try scorers were Saidi Rakotoarimanana (1) and Michael Raharijaona (1) who also scored (2) conversions, (3) penalties and (2) drop goals. The hosts scored tries via Bruce Saimbunji (1), Rodgers Mukupa (1) and Edward Mumba (1). Laston Mukosa scored (1) conversion and (2) penalties, while Dean Zulu also scored (1) conversion and (2) penalties.

Prior to the Silver Cup finale, Zambia Women played Zimbabwe in an International friendly dubbed “Battle of the Zambezi” by local rugby enthusiasts. Zambia scored a try by Team Captain Shirley Mwami which was converted by Rennie Sunzu Wilima. Their neighbours Zimbabwe scored a penalty by Precious Marange.

Africa Rugby Executive Committee Member Colleen de Jong commended the the Zambia Rugby Union executive  and the local organising committee for their hard work and dedication in ensuring a successful international tourney. She also paid glowing tribute to Mopani Copper Mines for partnering with the Rugby Union and said such a gesture needed to be emulated by other organisations. She added that the union’s inclusion of a communications department headed by Mr Tom Chaloba has helped publicise the tournament to both local and international audiences.

Copperbelt Province Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said his government was happy to see the growth of rugby in Zambia. He added that “Most of our citizens have got no idea what rugby is all about, but what Zambia Rugby Union and Mopani Copper Mines have achieved will most certainly spring interest in alot of people”. The presence of representatives from Africa Rugby, Mopani and all walks of life is testimony that Zambia is ready to host similar or even bigger sports events. This win by the Rugby National Team has really come at the right time as it shows that as a government we have created an enabling environment for partnerships between sporting bodies and corporate institutions.

The Zambia Rugby Union president Gen Clement Sinkamba said the partnership between his union and Mopani was testament that with right foundations and great understanding, alot could be achieved. Our partnership with Mopani Copper Mines has really boosted our efforts in ensuring qualification to the play off, we are now one game away from playing in the Gold Cup of African Rugby. “We shall ensure that the technical bench hits the ground running as we prepare for the game against Algeria at a venue to be announced”. We played and lost our first game against Algeria in November 2017, the coaches will start assessing areas of concern before the team is recalled for residential camp.

In an interview after the game, Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Chris Vermeulen reaffirmed his firms commitment to the growth and development of rugby in Zambia. He said “Mopani is committed to its partnership with the Zambia Rugby Union and we are glad that results are showing both on and off the field of play” The CEO said the mining giant was intent on making sure that Zambian rugby goes global.

Zambia’s CAF Champions League envoys Zesco United will today be looking to breathe life into their continental campaign when they host Angolan side Primiero de Agosto in their third group match at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Zesco are lying third in Group D, having managed only a point from the two games they have played so far.

The MTN/FAZ Super League pacesetters will have to collect maximum points off of the Angolan side to keep alive their hopes of qualifying to the quarter finals.

From a disastrous league fixture against rivals Nkana last Friday, the Zesco fans would want to prove their innocence in the presence of visitors.
The George Lwandamina-tutored sidehave failed to replicate their impressive local league run in the continental competition.

As Zambia’s sole survivors in the CAF inter-club competitions, the country will be behind Zesco in today’s match although they drew their last home game with Swaziland side Mbabane Swallows.
Zesco lost their second leg 2-1 to Etoile du Sahel away in Tunisia two weeks later.

Zesco United have had more shots on goal (33) than any other club in this years CAF Champions League Group Stage but only 5 of those have been on target as they face Angolans Agosto who have conceded in all their away matches in the Competition since 2009.