Abidjan — Zambia and Senegal played to a goalless draw in their second games during the African Nations Championship in Abidjan.
Although the teams both won their opening games in Group A, they failed to distinguish themselves in a match that proved very tactical in a very humid atmosphere in the Ivorian capital.
In a case of history repeating itself, it was the second time these two countries have played to a draw in Abidjan. In 1993, after the plane crash which claimed the lives of Zambia's team at the time, Fifa decided to take the game between the two countries to Abidjan. The score in that game -- part of the elimination rounds for the 1994 World Cup -- was also 0-0.
Eleven years on, the new generations represented in both teams failed to do any better. Senegal, with a slightly reinforced team, showed a sense of purpose in the opening stages of the first half. Three players, Karamba Diallo, Moussa Dembelé and Papa Djilabodji, played a full game for the first time in the tournament.
The Senegalese created a lot of chances in the opening stages but couldn't break through the Zambian defence despite winning four corner kicks in the first half. The "Chipolopolo Boys," less aggressive than in their opening game against Cote d'Ivoire, seemed to have lost their penetration, in no way troubling the formidable Senegalese side.
The second half did not produce much, despite attempts from the Zambian side to take control. Their goal-getter, Given Singuluma -- author of a hat-trick against Cote d'Ivoire -- was over-shadowed and even substituted in the second half.
On the Senegalese side, three changes in the attack and midfield line-ups could not translate into goals despite their clear domination of the game. The "Lions of Taranga" ended up with 10 men after the expulsion of Babacar Ndior as a result of a second yellow card.
Despite a physical and tactical display of football, the two teams will have to share the spoils. This gives Zambia the advantage -- they will remain group leaders whatever the outcome of the second group A game between Cote d'Ivoire and Tanzania.
Translated from original French by Michael Tantoh
