Zambia’s Young Chipolopolo maintained their perfect record at the COSAFA U-20 Championship with a 3-1 victory over Botswana to reach the semi-finals and move within one match of securing qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Daniel Silubonde scored twice from the penalty spot, while substitute John Foloko added a late third as Zambia made it three wins from three in Group C.
Silubonde opened the scoring from 12 yards in the ninth minute before Kent Mulandu brought Botswana level shortly after half-time.
The Zambian forward restored his side’s advantage with his second penalty in the 63rd minute, before Foloko came off the bench to complete the scoring in stoppage time.
The result sends Zambia into Friday’s semi-final against South Africa, with victory securing a place in the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The COSAFA U-20 Championship, being staged in Mozambique from 18 to 27 September, doubles as the region’s qualifying tournament for next year’s continental finals. Only the two finalists will qualify for the U-20 AFCON, making Friday’s meeting a decisive one for both sides.
Zambia entered the tournament among the competition’s most decorated nations. The Young Chipolopolo have won a record 12 COSAFA U-20 titles, including the inaugural edition in 1983.
South Africa are the second-most successful side with 10 titles, followed by Zimbabwe with six. Madagascar and hosts Mozambique have each won the tournament once.
Those five nations account for all 30 COSAFA U-20 championships played through 2025.
Zambia will now look to take another step towards both a 13th regional title and a return to the continental stage when they face South Africa on Friday.
