Kansanshi Dynamos suffered a 2-1 defeat to DR Congo side Saint-Éloi Lupopo in an international friendly played at Solwezi Independence Stadium on Tuesday.
The match formed part of Kansanshi Dynamos’ continued preparations for the new season, with the club using the international fixture as another opportunity to assess the team against experienced continental opposition. Saint-Éloi Lupopo Head Coach Rachid Ghaflaoui described Kansanshi as a strong side and said the hosts provided his team with a tough and valuable test.
Kansanshi made a positive start to the match and created an early opportunity in the 12th minute when Mathews Tolopa made a good run towards goal before finding Willy Bokingo, but a Lupopo defender intercepted to stop the attack.
The hosts eventually took the lead in the 27th minute after Bebe Musangala was brought down inside the penalty area. Madinga Francisco stepped up and converted from the spot to give Kansanshi the advantage.
Bebe continued to cause problems for the visitors and had the fans on their feet in the 36th minute after dribbling past several Lupopo defenders, although the goalkeeper was able to collect.
Lupopo, however, continued to pose a threat and came close to finding an equaliser before the break. In the 40th minute, Fofana’s effort took a deflection and created another opportunity for the visitors, but Mathews Mutambo reacted quickly to clear the danger.
The visitors created another opportunity four minutes later, but Gwazani was equal to the task, parrying the effort away to preserve Kansanshi’s lead.
Kansanshi Dynamos went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Lupopo returned for the second half with greater urgency and created several opportunities as they searched for a way back into the match.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Carel Twite coming close in the 61st minute when his header went over the crossbar.
Kansanshi made a number of changes in the 68th minute, introducing Dalitso Lungu, Clinton Lubula and Kizito Keziron.
However, Lupopo eventually found their equaliser in the 74th minute when Fofana benefited from a rebound to make it 1-1.
Kansanshi made another change five minutes later, with Brighton Kabumba coming on to replace Bebe Musangala.
With the match appearing to be heading towards a draw, Lupopo were awarded a penalty in added time after Kelvin Kapumbu was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Mydo Yallet converted from the spot to complete the visitors’ comeback and secure a 2-1 victory for Saint-Éloi Lupopo.
Speaking after the match, Ghaflaoui said Kansanshi provided Lupopo with a valuable test as both teams continue their preparations for the new season.
“It was a good game for us. Kansanshi gave us a tough game,” he said.
The Lupopo coach explained that his team is still in the early stages of preparation, having spent around 21 days in training, making the friendly matches in Zambia particularly important.
He said his side managed the game by first assessing how Kansanshi would approach the match before making tactical adjustments that worked in their favour.
Meanwhile, Kansanshi Dynamos Assistant Coach Yoram Kasempa said the international fixture provided an important opportunity for his side to test itself against experienced opposition.
“We started well. Unfortunately, around 75 minutes, we lost concentration. But we are looking fine,” Kasempa said.
“Playing a team like Lupopo, a high-profile international game, for us it’s a plus. What we wanted to see, we have seen.”
Kasempa said the team was encouraged by its ability to create chances but acknowledged that more work is needed in front of goal.
“We are creating chances, but we can’t just convert them. When you are playing a team like this, an experienced team, and you don’t convert chances, then there is a problem.”
He said the team would continue working on its finishing as preparations for the new season progress.
“The good part is that we are creating chances, meaning we can work on finishing and then we can score.”
Kasempa also dismissed suggestions that his players may have been intimidated by their experienced opponents.
“No, we were not intimidated. We could take them on. Unfortunately, we just lost concentration. Otherwise, we are there.”
The international friendly provided Kansanshi Dynamos with another valuable test as preparations for the new season continue.
FULL TIME
Kansanshi Dynamos 1-2 Saint-Éloi Lupopo
