Taifa Stars' AFCON opponent holds Cameroon in a friendly

The game played at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is part of a preparatory meeting in anticipation of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, set to be played in Ivory Coast.

Leicester City FC striker Patson Daka continued with his impressive form for both club and country. The 25-year-old gave the 2012 AFCON champions a lead in the 11th minute.

Nine minutes later, Cameroonian defender Darlin Yongwa Ngameni equalized for his team.

Zambia head coach Avram Grant started with Lawrence Mulenga in goal while Tandi Mwape, Stopilla Sunzu, Frankie Musonda, and Zephaniah Phiri made up the back four.

In the second half, Zambia introduced striker Kennedy Musonda- who serves Tanzania's Young Africans SC-, Lameck Banda, Kings Kangwa, Lubambo Musonda, Roderick Kabwe and Kelvin Kampamba

Former Simba SC midfielder Rally Bwalya was given a nod in midfield alongside Kelvin Kapumbu, who returned to the side after an injury layoff, and Golden Mafweta.

Simba SC attacking midfielder Clatous Chama was an unused substitute in the clash.

Daka led the Zambia attacking line surrounded by Saudi Arabia-based Fashion Sakala and Edward Chilufya. Kennedy Musonda came on at the half-hour mark to replace Daka.

Grant’s side completed their pre-AFCON camp in Saudi Arabia and they were expected to touch down in Ivory Coast on Wednesday to join Morocco and Tanzania in San Pedro.

They will open the continental showdown’s Group Stage campaign against DR Congo on January 17, 2024.

Taifa Stars and the Chipolopolo of Zambia will meet on the second day of the group, scheduled for January 21, 2024, from 9 pm. at the Laurent Pokou stadium, in San Pedro.

Taifa Stars, who will be making their third appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, will launch their Group Stage campaign against Morocco on January 17 at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.

On Wednesday, January 21, Taifa Stars will conclude their Group Stage campaign against DR Congo at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo.

The 27-man squad, under Belgo-Algerian coach Adel Amrouche and led by captain Mbwana Samatta, arrived in Ivory Coast on Monday, becoming the third side to touch base in the West African country.