By FAZ Media
The Zambia under 15 boys bowed out of the ongoing CAF African Schools Championship while the girls marched into the semi-finals in impressive fashion.
The boys’ campaign came to an end following a in an entertaining encounter at Gateway High School.
Earlier in the day, Zambia had suffered a 2–0 defeat to Benin in their second match before settling for a draw against another West African side.
Senegal took the lead in the first half through Aliou Fall, but Zambia responded with an equaliser from Charles Sitali to briefly revive hopes of a late push for a semi-final place.
However, despite creating numerous chances, the Evaristo Mkandawire-coached side failed to convert their opportunities, a shortcoming that ultimately proved costly.
Speaking after the match, head coach Evaristo Mkandawire described the tournament as a valuable learning curve for his youthful squad.
“It has been a fulfilling outing and good exposure for these young players.They have shown great potential,” he said.
Mkandawire also stressed the importance of aligning development structures between schools and the national setup.
“There is a need for consistency in football philosophies between schools and the national technical bench as the differences affected our overall performance,” he added.
Team captain Emmanuel Mpongo remained optimistic despite the team’s early exit.
“All hope is not lost. There is a lot of potential in this team, and we can grow into great players,” Mpongo said.
“We should have done better by converting the chances we created.”
In contrast, Zambia’s girls delivered a commanding performance to secure a place in the semi-finals, maintaining a perfect run in the group stages.
Star striker Phidah Muzuwa once again stole the spotlight, netting her fourth goal of the tournament in a 1–0 victory over Morocco.
Muzuwa struck in the 20th minute to down the North Africans, who had earlier held hosts Zimbabwe to a 2–2 draw.
The in-form forward has been in scintillating form, having already registered a hat-trick against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Zambia’s opening match.
The Zambia under 15 Girls wrapped up their group stage campaign with a 3–1 victory over hosts Zimbabwe at the ongoing CAF African Schools Championship.
Phidah Muzuwa scored a goal, she is now on five goals.
Meanwhile the Boys have bowed out following a 1–1 draw against Senegal. They lost to Benin 2-0 and also played to a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in the opening match.
in what was dubbed the “Battle of the Zambezi,” with Muzuwa adding her fifth goal of the tournament.
Head coach Chisala Chibesa hailed her team’s determination..
“We needed to send a strong message to the other teams. The girls showed great determination and we are here not just to participate but to compete and win,” said Chibesa.
Goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale, fondly known as “Super Magnet,” has also been outstanding, conceding just two goals so far.
Loveness Daka has impressed in an unfamiliar centre-back role, while captain Rebecca Mbutawo continues to lead with composure.
On the wings, Hildah Kangwa has been a constant threat with her pace and delivery.
Kaluba Phiri also delivered a standout performance against Zimbabwe, earning Player of the Match honours.
Zambian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Brigadier General Wilson Tembo(retired) alongside staff at the Zambian embassy also closely followed the proceedings of the boys final match against Senegal at Getaways High School.
Also in attendance was CAF Zambian born instructor, Honour Janza.
They will lose finals, what with the idiotss we have at FAZ who thinks investing in women football is not a necessity.
They have frustrated a capable coach in Nora to promote another tactic-less muntu from Mwemba’s village in Hanchibolo, and you think we can win anything with such village mindset.
As long as these no direction batch are heading FAZ , women football will be on a decline, watch the space.