At whatever age level and stage of competition, Zambia Vs Zimbabwe is always big and this Semi Final will not be different in any way. Pride will be at stake despite the level being developmental and the displays of both teams thus far has been encouraging.
A lot of questions were asked prior to the tournament kick off over the Zambian side owing to the mixed results posted during the year but so far the lads have come to the Party and here is a look at what they have done to come to within one match of having a go at the gold medal.
•Solid Defence
Defences win titles is a common phrase in football and this side has lived up to it. In the three Matches played, Christopher Katongo and Co. have only let in one goal. That translates to 0.33 goal concession rate per match.
This has been made possible through dominating the right spaces off the ball especially around the Goal Scoring area. The opposition haven’t had much sight at goal and even when they have had,its been tame efforts and not much has been clear cut.
In goal, Bradley Mweene appears to command very well and is as imposing as they come with his stature for an Under 20 goalie.
Barring his error in judgement and/or Misfortune for the goal conceded against Mozambique, he has been solid.
A good goal keeper always radiates confidence. Against a High scoring Zimbabwe team that has so far scored 6 goals, he will have to be on top of his game.
•Efficiency in Front of goal
The few chances that have been created have been converted and despite not spending too much time on the ball in the first two(02) matches, the forward forays yielded Four(04) goals and one more in the last group game.
In possession, the team has been seen to play the long diagonal on to the main striker or to a wide man with the idea of trying to reach the opposition goal in the shortest possible time.
In the final third,the combinational play has looked health between Chilufya, Kangwa, Mumba and Malumo when on the pitch. This has added variation to the theme of attack and keeps the opponent guessing.
Prince Mumba’s late run from midfield behind the main striker hasn’t been tracked by opponents and one that can still work in the Zimbabwe game as he hits when non expect him to.
This ability to score and the already proven ability to defend means the team will always be within reach of clinching any match especially considering Zimbabwe have a 2.0 goal concession rate per match.
•Performing Under Pressure
The year has been a painful one for Zambian football. Even worse, this team suffered the embarrassment of first round elimination in this tournament last year. The misery was further compounded by failure to make it to the next Afcon.
All these put a lot of pressure on the young shoulders but they have used that as fuel to make it right.
Nothing is more demanding than pressure from a whole Nation.
The lads have gone about their business in a composed manner and have shown mental toughness and strength to get desired results.
•Substance over Style
In truth, the football displayed has not been very pleasing to the eye but it has been very efficient.
Its about getting the Job done and doing what gives an advantage in every match. Charles Bwale’s young bullets have found ways to win matches despite looking disjointed at times in terms of flow and chemistry yet have rose to the occasion.
It doesn’t pay to play the attractive style and lose but it pays a lot to do the most basic of things and get the required results.
•Technical Bench Doing well
The quality of coaching is seen in how much decisions made can change the direction of the match and give the required result.
The coaches know their team well to make changes that have yielded goals,Protected leads and seen matches over the line.
Going forward, Edward Chilufya’s ability must be unleashed. He is a player that Zambia can get a lot from as long as he gets isolated in 1V1s against opposition defenders or gets the ball into the spaces behind the defence and cause havoc.
In Possession we will have to find a way to sustain our time on the ball as in itself is a form of defence.
All things considered and by the evidence provided from the first three (03) matches, the team is solid enough to down the young warriors.



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