Zambia were dealt a 2-1 blow by 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea in an international friendly played in Seoul today.
The Chipolopolo were without their main Africa Cup of Nations winning team but their hosts equally used an all home-based team.
Skipper Christopher Katongo dropped out of the match hours before the game while his brother Felix did not make the trip.
Key strikers Jacob Mulenga of Utrecht in Holland and Rodger Kola of Belgian side KAA Gent were excused for personal reasons while a quartet playing for TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi did not travel due to club commitments.
Midfielder Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala and the defensive rock partnership of Hichani Himoonde and Stophilla Sunzu are away in Egypt on club duty making Renard’s trip to Asia complicated to snatch a win.
It was evident that the Zambians were missing their rhythm when they fell on the wrong foot of the scoreboard just 15 minutes after kick-off.
Lee Kim-Woo Xeo scored for the Koreans in the 15 minutes but Chipolopolo’s prolific striker Emmanuel Mayuka restored the visitors’ hopes with a 28th minute goal.
The Zambians, however, could not contain their opponents in the second half as Kim Woo completed the day with a brace scoring his second in the other half to condemn Chipolopolo to a defeat.
Zambia were using the high profile international friendly to prepare for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Uganda next month.
The defending African Champions must beat Uganda over two legs to qualify to the 2013 South Africa tournament where they are expected to defend their title.
Coach Herve Renard will be consoled that the match gave him an opportunity to assess other players in the absence of some key members of the team.