Zambia Under-20’s dream to qualify to the CAF Under-20 African Cup of nations has ended after the Junior Chipolopolo failed to beat 10 man Mozambique in the Cosafa Under-20 Championship.
The Perry Mutapa coached side lost 5-4 on penalties after John Chishimba missed.
Mozambique held defending champions Zambia to a goalless draw despite playing the final 52 minutes with 10 men following a straight red card for defender Belarmino Manhice. The incident angered the Mozambican bench and coach Dario Monteiro was also sent to the stands.
Mozambique converted all their spot kicks through Dias F, Cardoso Novela , Alberto Alface , Jossias Dlhakama And Dercio Augusto while John Chishimba missed for Zambia with Golden Mafwenta, Mathews Chabala, Muma Mumba and Prince Mumba managing to put theirs away.
It was a shock result after Zambia had breezed into the semifinals, but they will not be able to add to their 11 previous title wins this year.
Namibia claimed their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Angola that was played in very windy conditions at the Wolfson Stadium.
The duo have also sealed their place at the continental showpiece event next year and stay on track to potentially reach the 2021 FIFA World Cup.
The final two games of the competition on Sunday, which includes a third-place play-off between Angola and Zambia, will be played at the magnificent Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue that will be a glorious, fitting stage for the finale to what has been an extraordinary year for COSAFA and its competitions.
This is not good at all,no any simple trough and it shows how rotten our FA is,foolish
A team without a plan B. Poor rehearsed penalty taking. Mozambique could have saved two more penalties as the Zambian Ayers do not know areas that the ball should never be placed. The area between one meter above the ground to one meter and half meters from the top. Time to learn from the penalty ball placing of the Mozambicans!
We have a big problem with the coaches. 10 Men Mozambique, and we cannot adjust the way we playing. The U17 is a more skilful team than this U20. It is better they get knocked off early. They were going to be a disappointment.
The team was deprived of a good number 9 by Forest Rangers!