The Zambia U-20 national team sealed their spot in the semifinals of the ongoing COSAFA U-20 Championship following a 2-0 win over Malawi this afternoon.
Zambia came into the match aiming to finish top of group B with a draw enough to see them progress while Malawi needed a win to stand a chance of progressing to the semifinals.
Coach Perry Mutapa made three Changes to the team that beat Comoros Islands on Monday with Joshua Mutale making his first start replacing Peter Banda while Andrew Phiri returned to right back with Martin Njobvu pushed upfront as Ricky Banda made way.
Jimmy Mukeya returned to the starting line up as he replaced Derrick Bulaya to lead the line for the young Copper Bullets.
Zambia started the match slow as they were playing against the wind. After settling down, Joshua Mutale beat two players on the left wing before finding Jimmy Mukeya who somehow found a way past the Malawi goalkeeper from what looked like a tight angle inside the area, 1-0 Zambia.
In the second half Zambia half, Mukeya again found the back of the net with a close-range header meeting a delicious John Chishimba free-kick.
Malawi tried to come back in the game and came close on several occasions but Patrick Chooma was not ready to end his run of clean sheets as he dealt with everything they threw at him.
Zambia held on to win the match 2-0 and progress to the semifinals where they will meet Mozambique on Friday with Namibia who emerged as the best losers meeting group C winners Angola.
And those semifinal games will have an additional massive carrot being dangled in front of the teams because Apart from a place in the final to tussle for the coveted regional trophy the winners will also both qualify for the Total U-20 AFCON, Mauritania 2021, and potentially set themselves on the path for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
FRIDAY’S FIXTURES
Semifinals
12h00 (10h00 GMT) – Angola vs Namibia
15h30 (13h30 GMT) – Mozambique vs Zambia
Zambia XI Vs Malawi
Patrick Chooma (1), Andrew Phiri (2), John Chishimba (Peter Chikola 72′), Mathews Chabala (15), Golden Mafwenta (4), Muma Mumba (17), Prince Mumba (3) (C), Martin Njobvu (Peter Banda 72′), Jimmy Mukeya (12), Joshua Mutale (14), Golden Yamikani Mashata ( Derrick Bulaya 46′)
UNUSED SUBS: Iford Mwale (16), Issah Kazembe (18), Patrick Gondwe (10), Eliot Kampukesa (11), Ricky Banda (19), Chipyoka Songa (20).
Well done Boys!
Well done Young chipolopolo,,I congratulate you,,bola na Lesa ..go go go n bring the trophy.salutes
I hope and trust FAZ is learning a lesson from the talent and fighting spirit the lads are exhibiting. These and those that were in the Under 20 team in 2017 are to be groomed to be in the senior team. Football is not about the age but the talent and skill that one has. Young people are making big names in the Premier and Champions league. Example is Take Kubo, Ansu Fati, Vini Jr, Musa, Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala, Lubambo Musonda, Mayembe and many more world wide. FAZ you are killing our young talent by delaying to integrate these fresh legs into the senior national team in the name of saying they are still young.
May be you and the ministry of sports lack analytical skills for proper decision making. The day you will stop thinking like tired minds but be objective in your decision making processes that will be the beginning of the rise of Zambian football.
Good move