International football matches always have the potential to be exciting but, when it’s just a few days before a World Cup that neither team has qualified for, it’s not exactly going to draw the most attention.
It was Israel’s first friendly since their successful Nations League campaign, which saw them qualify for the Euro 2024 play-offs.
And they were hosting their first African opponents since Côte d’Ivoire visited in 2008, in the form of Zambia - lead by star striker Patson Daka.
Israel hosted Zambia for a friendly match (Shaul Greenfeld)
Throughout the first half, the hosts looked the far superior side. They slotted home the first goal of the game in the 22nd minute, as Tei Baribo converted a Din David assist.
Baribo is on something of a goal scoring run with the national team at the moment, having scored the decisive goal against Albania in September.
Just two minutes later, David turned scorer, as he hit home a deflected Ramzi Safouri corner.
The Israelis took a comfortable 2-0 lead into the break, but it didn’t last long. Something changed after half-time, and Israel weren’t playing at the same level.
Din Davia and Tai Baribo, the scorers of Israel in the first half (Shaul Greenfeld)
It took 10 minutes for the visitors to score, with the goal coming from Kings Kangwa.
His family has a history with Israeli football. His brother, Evans, has played for Hapoel Ra’anana, while Kings himself played for Hapoel Be’er Sheva as a youngster.
Zambia had another chance to score 10 minutes later. A poor mistake from Israel’s defence saw Lubambo Musonda take the ball. He passed it through to Larry Bwalya who slotted home the equaliser.
Scoring late goals is something that Israel are strangely good at. Just as the end of regular time neared, a Dan Glazer cross was deflected by a Zambia defender into the back of the net.
And there was one more goal to help see out the game. In added time, a quick counter attack saw Itamar Shviro one-on-one with the keeper. He couldn’t save it.
Zambia, an important experience before the AFCON qualifiers (Shaul Greenfeld)
On Sunday Israel will play another friendly match against Cyprus. After that, their next international games will come in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, as they try and overcome Switzerland and Romania on the way to Germany.
For Zambia it was an important experience against a different team than they are used to. And, despite failing to win, will hopefully be a lesson on their way to the 2023 AFCON.
Edited by Alex Smith
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