Zambia U17 National team coach Dennis Makinka has admitted that the application on the pitch by his team did not work out against Mali hence the loss and elimination from FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
The Junior Chipolopolo’s journey at the World Cup came to an end on Friday afternoon after a 3–1 defeat to Mali in the Round of 32 at the Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan.
Makinka pointed out that his side lacked the level that they showed in past games that saw them qualify to the last 32 unbeaten in a group that also had four time Champions, Brazil.
“We lacked a bit of speed today and didn’t rise to the level we showed in previous games. We came back into the match but made two mistakes that gifted them goals,” Makinka said.
“We always knew it would be a tough and physical match. Mali overpowered us in certain moments , that’s football. It’s about how you apply yourself on the pitch, and today it didn’t work out for us. Hard luck to the boys; they really wanted to win.”
Despite the loss, Makinka expressed deep pride in the team’s achievement and credited the boys for qualifying out of the group in their debut tournament.
“This is their first time participating at this stage, and they came out of the group unbeaten. That alone is massive. Credit to the boys , they have done extremely well. Now we need a plan to keep this group together. There’s something special here for the future of Zambian football,” he said.
“To the Zambian people, thank you for the massive support. We are sorry for today’s result, but your encouragement has carried us. Please continue supporting the boys. FAZ gave us everything we needed, including the Dubai friendlies, and we are grateful. We will come back stronger.”
Mali struck first early in the second half when Ndjicoura Bomba finished off a quick transition in the 51st minute with a close range header beating Rodgers Simumba at his near post.
Zambia responded almost immediately through a well-taken goal by Mapalo Simute in the 63rd minute after good work from the right wing to restore parity.
But the West Africans, finalists in 2015, regained their lead in the 85th minute through Seydou Dembele before Lamine Keita sealed the tie in added time both benefiting from a defensive error.
