STRIKER Evans Kangwa came off the bench to score Zambia's consolation goal as Herve Renard's side narrowly lost to Saudi Arabia in an international friendly match played in Dammam City last evening.

Kangwa, who came in for Moses Phiri, scored Zambia's only goal in the 71st minute as the Saudi's emerged victorious in this match that Renard was using to identify players to fuse into the Chipolopolo ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Renard started with three of the four 2012 AFCON winning players with Joshua Titima starting in goal with Chintu Kampamba marshalling the defence as Chisamba Lungu started in the midfield while Kangwa started on the bench.

Jimmy Chisenga partnered Kampamba together with Salulani Phiri and Roderic Kabwe as Thomas Nyirenda teamed up with Lungu, Kennedy Mudenda and Mukuka Mulenga to provide the necessary balls upfront to Moses Phiri and Lewis Macha.

Renard is expected to announce his provisional 26-member squad ahead of the international friendly matches against Tanzania on December 22, Morocco on January 8 and Norway four days later.

Zambia starting line up: Joshua Titima, Jimmy Chisenga, Chintu Kampamba, Salulani Phiri, Roderick Kabwe, Thomas Nyirenda, Mukuka Mulenga, Chisamba Lungu, Kennedy Mudenda, Moses Phiri, Lewis Macha

Saudi Arabia 2 Zambia 1