Billy Daka came off the bench to score twice as Zambia began their COSAFA Under-20 Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malawi in Maputo.
The Junior Chipolopolo were made to work for the breakthrough before Daka produced a decisive second-half cameo to settle the Group C encounter.
The forward opened the scoring in the 79th minute after a short corner found Jonathan Kalimina, who delivered an inviting cross into the box. Daka rose highest and powered a close-range header past the Malawi goalkeeper.
He then doubled Zambia’s advantage in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Kalimina’s cross was initially overhit and found a Zambia player at the far side of the penalty area, who returned the ball into the box. Daka controlled it with his chest before unleashing a powerful finish to make it 2-0 and secure all three points.
The brace was another notable moment in the development of Daka, who was part of the Zambia U17 squad that reached the Round of 32 at last year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
The victory gives Zambia an ideal start to a tournament carrying significant importance beyond regional honours.
Zambia are the most successful nation in the history of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship, having won a record 12 titles, including the inaugural tournament in 1983.
This year’s tournament, being staged from 18 to 27 September, doubles as the COSAFA qualifying competition for the 2027 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. Only the two finalists will secure places at the continental finals.
Zambia and Malawi are in Group C alongside Botswana and Comoros, with only the group winner and the best runner-up across the three groups progressing to the knockout stage.
For Zambia, Daka’s late intervention has ensured a winning start — and puts the Junior Chipolopolo in a strong position as they continue their pursuit of another COSAFA title and a place at next year’s continental championship.
