By Kalumiana Kalumiana | The Post

Zambia edged closer to the quarterfinals of the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after a 1-0 win over Ethiopia at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi this afternoon.

Herve Renard’s side now lead Group A with a maximum six points from their opening two matches after beating hosts Kenya 2-0 in their opening game last Saturday at the same venue.

Chipolopolo took the lead in the 30th minute through striker James Chamanga who finished off an effort after Ethiopian goalkeeper Assefa Dawit fumbled with the ball.

The goal was Chamanga’s third of the tournament following his brace against Kenya over the weekend as Chipolopolo head into their final Group A match against Djibouti tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the first half hour of the opening half against Ethiopia was an even affair.

Sebastian Mwansa also wasted a chance with a poorly taken free-kick in the 10th minutes from the edge of the penalty area.

Ethiopia had a chance to level scores five minutes before the break after an Emmanuel Mbola handball but goalkeeper Jacob Banda saved the resultant penalty.

And Kenya were by press time in action against Djibouti at the same venue in the second kickoff in Group A.

Both Kenya and Djibouti were on zero points after losing 2-0 and 5-0 to Chipolopolo and Ethiopia respectively in their opening Group A matches.