From SANDRA MWILA in Nairobi –
Kenya   1     Zambia   2
ZAMBIA yesterday roared back into contention for a place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after whipping Kenya in their backyard at the Nyayo National Stadium.
A vintage Collins ‘King David’ Mbesuma, making his return to the national team for the first time this year, inspired the Chipolopolo to snatch a victory over the Harambee Stars, who had made a false start to this AFCON Group E match.

• ZAMBIA striker Collins Mbesuma celebrates after scoring the winner against Kenya in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi yesterday. Picture by FAZ

Mbesuma created one chance for striking partner Winston Kalengo and scored another to ensure the Chipolopolo go level on four points with Congo Brazzaville, who beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 away on Saturday.
Coach George Lwandamina, who showered praises on Mbesuma, described the victory as good and hoped to build on as Zambia resumes the race to the Gabon 2017 AFCON finals in March next year.
Lwandamina, who also gave debuts to Benedict Chepeshi, Boyd Mkandawire and Jack Chirwa, said Mbesuma had proved his worth and brought the much-needed experience into the squad.
“It’s a good victory because it’s not easy playing away from home. Most of the boys were playing for the first time but it’s great that they withstood pressure and showed character.
“Mbesuma has proved his worth and brought experience into the team. Kenya resorted to playing long balls but it worked against them,” he said.
Harambee coach Bobby Williamson conceded that his charges could not match the experience of the 2012 AFCON champions.
“I am not disappointed with the result. I fielded young players who could not match Zambia’s experience. We will learn from this loss as we prepare for Guinea-Bissau,” said Williamson, who was sacked by Uganda after the Cranes lost to the Chipolopolo for a slot at the 2013 AFCON finals.
Kenya took a 14th minute lead through Michael Olunga who capitalised on the Chipolopolo defensive lapses to tap into a yawning net.
But Zambia rallied and restored parity on 28 minutes through a fantastic strike by Kalengo, who smashed home a cheeky Mbesuma pass, to silence the vocal Nyayo crowd.
Kalengo then returned the favour and set up a lurking Mbesuma, whose cracking left-footer beat Kenyan goalkeeper, Arnold Origi at the near-post in the 44th minute and seal the Chipolopolo’s victory.
Mbesuma celebrated his goal in style as he knelt in front of the ecstatic Zambian fans.
Chipolopolo shot-stopper Kennedy Mweene made some crucial saves in the second half as the Harambee desperately searched for an elusive equaliser.
At one moment Chisamba Lungu had to head away on the goal-line to deny the Kenyans a goal after they had chipped over Mweene.
The Kenyan fans became agitated and resorted to throwing an assortment of missiles on the pitch and in the 78th minute they hurled objects at the Chipolopolo medics as they were attending to an injured Chepeshi.
Two minutes after that incident, Chepeshi managed to stop Ayub Timbe in his tracks as he attempted to dribble past the Zambian rearguard.
The next round of AFCON qualifiers will resume in March next year where Zambia will clash with Congo in the top-of-the bill showdown while Guinea-Bissau will face-off with Kenya.