Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda says Tuesday’s friendly victory away against Bafana Bafana was a big boost following for a turbulent run for his team in 2017.

Zambia rallied from 1-0 at half time to beat Bafana Bafana 2-1 away in Moruleng on June 13 to collect their first win from four matches played in 2017.

The friendly also came three days after a low point for Zambia who lost 1-0 at home to Mozambique in an opening 2019 AFCON Group K qualifier and also suffer their debut loss against The Mambas.

“I think we needed that win. It wasn’t an easy game and we played a very mature team,” Nyirenda said.

“It was a well constructed game by South Africa and I would like congratulate Mr (Stuart) Baxter for his input in his team, he is doing a great job.

“We have learnt a lot of lessons in this game with our young team. They have accounted for themselves very well.”

Zambia began the 2017 with two 0-0 draws in away friendlies against Zimbabwe on March 26 in Harare, and Gabon on June 4 in Libreville before their weekend home defeat against Mozambique.

The also match handed Nyirenda his second win from eight games in charge with three draws since his appointment last September.