The Junior Chipolopolo’s adventure at the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has come to an end following a 3-1 loss at the hands of Mali in the round of 32.
The debutantes came into the match looking to continue their impressive run but against a team that had reached the last four in three of the last four tournaments it was never going to be easy.
It was a tense affair from the onset with Mali coming close early on but Christo Chitambala was in no mood to be beaten.
Zambia started pushing for a chance to score but Mali was resolute at the back. The West African side went ahead in the 10th minute but a foul on Chitambala in the build up meant the goal was ruled out by the referee.
Mali had the better chances but Chitambala was having one of those games and made fantastic saves. However in additional time when Christo Chitambala came to the rescue once again halting a menacing move in the box he sustained an injury and went to the break limping.
Zambia were forced into making a substitution at the start of the second half as Rodgers Simumba replaced injured Chitambala.
Mali took the lead just six minutes into the second stanza, Ndjicoura Bomba heading in from close range at the far post.
Mapalo Simute had Zambia level in the 63rd minute with a close range finish off at the far post. After the goal the match looked a bit balanced with Zambia pushing for a second goal.
However Mali went ahead again in the 85th minute, Mali benefiting from a mistake at the back, Seydou Dembele slotting home from close range.
Lamine Keita sealed the win in additional time after benefiting from another breakdown at the back, 3-1 the match finished.
Mali have progressed to the last 16 while Zambia bow out.
Full-time
Zambia 1-3 Mali
(Ndjicoura Bomba 51′, Seydou Dembele 85′, Lamine Keita 90+2’| Mapalo Simute 63′)
