From ELIAS CHIPEPO In Brazzaville  –
Ivory Coast 49 Zambia 16
ZAMBIA yesterday tried to put up some resistance but ended up crumbling badly to Ivory Coast to exit the Handball Championship without a win at the Congo Brazzaville 2015 All-Africa Games (AAG).
The Zambian team that kicked off its Group D campaign with a 51-10 trouncing to DR Congo, managed to match Ivory Coast’s strength, especially in defensive, restricting the West Africans from registering a cricket score-line.
However, lack of endurance coupled with height difference and lack of physical strength saw the Zambian lasses tire as the match progressed.
Ivory Coast took a first half 21-4 lead through Kouame Brou, Awa Karamoko, Traore Mari and Toualy Jul while Mori Kamfwa and Ruth Mbewe were on target for Zambia.
The second half was equally full of exciting passes from the Zambians who were let down by height as they approached the Ivorian goal marshaled by huge defenders although Mbewe somehow still managed to sneak in 10 goals with Moria scoring three while Royce Ngwira scored one.
Miriam Traore was the highest scorer for Ivory Coast with 11 goals as Brou, Nathalie Kregbo, Desiree Sigui and Karamoko all scored five goals while Koko Fofana accounted for four goals.
Chantal Kregbo, Julie Toualy, Mayska Kouassi and Ire Coulibaly scored three goals each while Ouattra Kouadio and Paula Gondo scored a goal each to ensure their side recorded a comprehensive win over tournament newcomers Zambia.
Team Zambia was represented by Ruth Kunda, Esther Nyanganga, Lydia Kaila, Kamfwa, Ngwira, Elizabeth Daka, Jennipher Siamuleya, Janet Simwanza, Majory Mbewe, Ruth Mbewe and Rita Muluti.
Others are Elizabeth Gondwe, Beatrice Mashamba, Audrey Mulwanda, Rachael Mwanza, Ethiphen Banda while the technical bench comprised head coach Vikan Opheim from Norway, coach Gaston Mulumbwa and Mwaka Muyangwa.