Zambia held in Cecafa opener

Zambia kicked off their 2013 Cecafa Cup outing on a modest note following a 1-1 draw with Tanzania on Thursday in an opening Group B match at Machakos. The result ended new Zambia coach Patrice Beaumelle’s three match losing run from as many games in charge since his appointment in October.
Zambia were on the back foot against the Kilimanjaro Stars in the first half as Beaumelle’s side struggled on a waterlogged pitch.
The Cecafa Cup guest side were given a scare in the 23rd minute when Mrisho Ngassa beat Zambia defender Christopher Munthali for pace but the Young Africans striker amazingly fired his shot wide of an open goal.
But Zambia still had a couple of great chances in the midst of Tanzania’s domination to get on the score sheet.
Reynold Kampamba put his Nkana club mate Festus Mbewe through in the 29th minute but the latter tumbled in the area as he tried to control the ball.
Five minutes later, Felix Katongo header from Kampamba cross was saved by the outstanding Ivo Mapunda in goals at point blank range.

Then Zambia then took the lead on 42 minutes when Katongo turned provider for Kampamba who fired in an unstoppable bullet header past the Gor Mahia goalkeeper to see Chipolopolo take a 1-0 halftime lead.
However, Zambia’s lead lasted until three minutes into the second half when defender Said Moradi headed in a corner from Salum Abubakar corner to level scores.
The goal only served to fuel Tanzania as Zambia struggled on the heavy pitch for the reminder of the half before the two sides grinded out the match to share the spoils.
Zambia must now beat Group B leaders Burundi on Sunday in Nairobi to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.