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Congo Brazzaville leveled the score with a penalty converted by Thievy Guivane Bifouma Koulossa after 90 minutes, but the Bright Stars did not give up and scored the winning goal six minutes into added time through former Vipers and KCCA forward Tito Okello.
Zambia's National Football Team, the Chipolopolo, gave new coach Avram Grant a winning start as they came from behind to defeat Lesotho 3-1 in their Group H match of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Thursday.
Lesotho had taken the lead after 33 minutes with Tshwarelo Bereng scoring off a free-kick, but Fashion Sakala leveled matters four minutes later with a spectacular goal that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
In the second half, Kings Kangwa's corner kick was met with a header by Lameck Banda, putting Zambia ahead in the 53rd minute.
Banda then scored his second goal of the day just three minutes later, securing Zambia's victory.
Grant, who signed as the team's coach a few weeks ago, expressed his delight at his team's performance and determination.
He said; "I am happy that the team responded well and did not give up after conceding. We still need to keep working hard because there is a lot of work to be done."
With the victory, Zambia is now at the top of Group H with seven points, while Ivory Coast, who face Comoros on Friday, are second with four points.
In the other match played on Thursday, South Sudan shocked hosts Congo Brazzaville 2-1 in a Group G match.
Peter Chol gave the Bright Stars the lead after 65 minutes, but the visitors were later reduced in numbers when skipper Peter Manyang was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 73rd minute.
Congo Brazzaville leveled the score with a penalty converted by Thievy Guivane Bifouma Koulossa after 90 minutes, but the Bright Stars did not give up and scored the winning goal six minutes into added time through former Vipers and KCCA forward Tito Okello.
Stefano Cusin, the Bright Stars coach, expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "We knew to have a chance to qualify for the AFCON we must get results in these two matches against Congo.”
“I am happy we have won today away from home, and now we must plan well for the game against the same side next week in Tanzania.”
Ghana's National Football Team, the Black Stars, also secured a late win, defeating Angola 1-0 in a Group E qualifying match.
Substitute Antoine Serlom Semenyo scored the only goal six minutes into added time, sending the Black Stars to seven points after three matches.
The Central African Republic, who had earlier stopped Madagascar 3-0, are second in the group with four points.
It was also a triumphant win for former Brighton & Hove Albion coach Chris Hughton, who signed as Ghana coach a few days ago.
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