The Futsal National team suffered a 5-2 defeat to Zambia in the opening fixture of the 7th edition of the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, Morocco.
Andrea Cristoforetti’s charges came from behind to see off the Ghana side who had taken a lead through Emmanuel Pako Nakotey’s clever finish after 5 minutes on the clock.
The Southern Africans got into the game and Patrick Banda pulled them even just before halftime.
In the first half, Ghana’s Saviour Tsatsu and captain Timothy Kantanka Ntiamoah had opportunities to score, but Zambian shot stopper Jackson Chitungu brilliantly blocked all of their attempts.
Zambia’s attacking prowess reached its peak in the second half, with star player Francis Chinyama masterminding the majority of their moves.
Within two minutes of the second half, Chinyama’s ferocious long drive beyond Rapheal Tsigbe gave Chipolopolo the lead.
A minute later, striker Wiseman Phiri scored Zambia’s third goal of the game when Prince Lungu’s first time pass inside the Ghana area put him through.
Eight minutes from time, Philip Nii Boye reduced the tally for Ghana after putting Saviour Tsatsu’s pass past Jackson Chitungu.
The Zambians put an end to Ghana’s chances of a late comeback with two goals in rapid succession through Mbalika Mwaliteta and Jackson Simwami to propel Zambia to the top of Group A.
Ghana will take on Morocco in their next group game.
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