Chipolopolo came into the encounter as the favourites, but they were frustrated by the Zebras in Francistown, Botswana.

Botswana were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Zambia in the 2020 African Nations Championship (Chan) qualification second round first-leg clash on Friday.

The Zebras of Botswana came into the match having eliminated Seychelles in the first round after winning the tie 5-1 on aggregate.

On the other hand, Zambia’s Chipolopolo, who participated in the 2018 finals in Morocco, were given a bye in the first round.

The two Southern African teams both created some goalscoring opportunities in the early exchanges, but they were very wasteful in front of goal.

The visitors threatened first through Chitiya Mususu, but the striker’s effort sailed over the bar without testing Botswana goalkeeper Keagile Kgosipula.

Forward Joel Mogorosi then unleashed a shot from range, which was well saved by Zambian shot-stopper Sebastian Mwange.

Chipololopo pushed for the opening goal after the half-hour mark, but the Zebras defence – led by Thatayaone Ditlhokwe – stood firm and the score was 0-0 at the half-time interval.

The Zambians were the better side in the early stages of the second-half and they should have broken the deadlock through Chitiya Mususu.

The Zanaco attacker pierced through the Botswana defence, but he was brilliantly denied by Township Rollers shot-stopper Kgosipula.

The hosts struggled to penetrate the visitors’ defence and they could only try their luck from range, and the likes of Segolame Boy and Omaatla Kebatho missed the target from distance.

Ultimately, the match ended in a 0-0 draw on the night.

The second-leg encounter will be played National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday, August 3.

Goal

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer