Zambia’s Under-23 national team have moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Burkina Faso 3-2 on penalties following a 1-0 victory in regulation time at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The result levelled the second-round tie at 1-1 on aggregate, with the Junior Chipolopolo eventually prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Having lost the first leg 1-0 in Burkina Faso, Zambia knew they needed a victory to remain in contention and started brightly, putting their opponents under early pressure.
Eliya Mandanji, David Simukonda and Anthony Shipanuka were among the players who threatened as the hosts searched for an opening goal, but Burkina Faso goalkeeper Haidara Cherif kept Zambia at bay.
Mandanji came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock shortly after the restart when his effort struck the post, as Zambia continued to push for the goal that would bring the tie level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute when substitute Caleb Musonda produced a fine finish inside the box to give Zambia a 1-0 lead and restore parity on aggregate.
Pascal Phiri nearly doubled the advantage four minutes later after beating three defenders, but his effort went narrowly wide.
Mandanji thought he had put the contest beyond Burkina Faso in the closing stages after being set up by Gift Siame, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
With neither side able to find another goal, the contest proceeded to a penalty shootout.
Eliya Mandanji, Pascal Phiri and Charles Buyoya converted their spot-kicks for Zambia, while Happy Nsiku saw his effort saved by Cherif.
Burkina Faso managed to score through Jack Pantoulou Diarra and Doque Seydou Fofana, but Zambia goalkeeper Christo Chitambala emerged as the shootout hero.
Chitambala saved efforts from Cherif Badra Ali Barro and Fadil Adama Barro, while Cyril Dao sent his penalty wide to hand Zambia a 3-2 victory.
The Junior Chipolopolo will now face either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria in the final qualifying round in March 2027, with a place at the Egypt 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on the line.
