Zambia have made a strong start in their bid for a place in next year's All Africa Games in Nigeria.

The team, made up of under-23 players, beat Namibia 2-0 in the first round qualifier in Lusaka.

Zambia, runners-up in the last games three years ago, were put under intense early pressure by Namibia but managed to get a goal four minutes from the break.

Zambia's winger Noel Mwandila scored from a rebound when his team-mate, Simeo Lubemba's shot hit a Namibian defender in the 41st minute.

It could have been a different scoreline as early as the fourth minute when Namibia's Allian Gaweseb shot wide despite Zambia's goalkeeper being beaten.

Namibia pressure

Just five minutes later Namibia had another great chance to open the scoring when Nelson Akwenya got clear in the box.

However the striker hesitated in unleasing his shot and was disposessed by defender Kelvin Kalila.

After their late first half goal Zambia regrouped but had to wait until the 67th minute to seal it through striker Songwe Chalwe.

Chalwe latched on to a deflected free kick to rocket his shot home.

Zambia's coach Peter Kaumba said his charges would have to work harder if they were to pull through in the return leg next month.

He said Zambia were complacent in the first half probably because his players underrated Namibia.

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Teams:

Zambia: Kennedy Kalale, Lubemba Simeo (Dears Kankunta), Given Mpundu (Y), Noel Mwandila, Songwe Chalwe, Christopher Katongo, Patrick Masosa, Sashi Chalwe, Joseph Sitali (Newa Mwewa) Noah Chivuta, Kelvin Kayongo.

Namibia: Essau Tjiuoro, Bobby Kaapana, Hartman Torombo, Mark Isaacs, Steve Mbemukenga, Richard Biwa( Jamanovandu Ngatjizeko), Nakathingo Shimwino, Victor Helu, Nelson Akwenya, Johannes Janize (Y) , Allion Gaweseb (Richard Ventiwa).