Chipolopolo’s 2-0 win over Togo to revive Zambia’s 2027 AFCON hopes was overshadowed by an embarrassing 18-minute power failure at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday night.

Referee Mahmood Ismail had no option but to stop the Group I qualifier in the 20th minute when the floodlights went off, leaving players and fans in darkness in front of live TV cameras.

It was a national embarrassment for Zambia, which is hosting international football at the same venue that has suffered repeated power issues.

The blackout could not stop Zambia’s momentum. Albert Kangwanda had already fired Zambia ahead after just two minutes with a close-range finish that gave the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Zambia then wasted a myriad of chances after the break before substitute Eliya Mandanji finally doubled the lead deep in stoppage time with a fantastic strike.

Coach George Lwandamina was relieved to rebound from the 3-1 loss to Algeria on day one.

“It was a tough game. Togo are a good team but we prepared for them and the boys followed the instructions,” Lwandamina said.

Togo coach Patrice Neveu admitted Zambia’s speed killed his side.

“Zambia deserved the result. Zambia used speed to their advantage,” Neveu said.

Despite the win, Zambia remain second in Group I with three points from two matches, behind Algeria who have four points after drawing 2-2 with Burundi on Tuesday.

Togo also have three points while Burundi are bottom with one point.

Zambia next face Burundi on November 11, but FAZ and stadium managers will have questions to answer over how a flagship national stadium suffered a blackout during a continental qualifier.

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