Zambia survive Mweene howler to beat Bissau

Zambian Chipolopolo's Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, infront, lead his team mates from left; Stoppila Sunzu, Jack Chirwa, Nathan Sinkala, Bendict Chepeshi, Winstone Kalengo, Chisamba Lungu, Boyd Mkandawire and Capt Rainford Kalaba before clahing with Harambee Stars at Nyayo National Stadium during their African Cup of Nations on Sunday, Sept 6, 2015. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO.

A howler by goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene condemned Zambia to an anxious finish before they beat Guinea-Bissau 2-1 Wednesday in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Lusaka. 

Shock 2012 champions Zambia should have been more than two goals ahead before a capacity 60,000 crowd at the National Heroes Stadium when Mweene blundered nine minutes from time.

The South Africa-based veteran hesitated over a back-pass instead of clearing it and the ball rebounded off Frederic Mendy into the net.

Guinea-Bissau, a bogey team for Zambia in the 2017 qualifiers, almost snatched an undeserved equaliser in stoppage time with a snap shot that was just too high.

The tiny west African nation took four points off Zambia in the last qualifying competition to eliminate the ‘Chipolopolo’ (Copper Bullets) and reach the finals for the first time.