The second edition of the prestigious ZANACO grassroots tournament kicked off on Friday in Lusaka at Sunset Stadium.
The Boys Category provided cagey affairs with no winner in two games while the Girls matches on the other hand provided high scoring entertainment with eight goals scored across two games.
In the Boys Category, Muchinga came back from a goal down to hold Northern Province to a 1-1 draw. Mischeck Muwowo put Northern Province in the lead before Nathan Simukoko could level matters and rescue a point for Muchinga.
In the earlier match Copperbelt Province played to a goalless draw with Lupula.
In the Girls Category, Lusaka thrashed Copperbelt by three unanswered goals. ‎Pervis Kangalangala, Belita Chinyama, and Ruth Manda scored a goal each for Lusaka.
In the other match, Southern Province saw off North Western Province with a 4-1 result. Mwiinde p Milambo, ‎
Elizebath Siamoonga netted a hat-trick with Mwiinde P Malambo scoring the other goal while Mwatafwali Rose Gift scored a consolation goal for the North Western.
The Zanaco Grassroots U17 Tournament is aimed at identifying and nurturing the country’s next generation of football talent. The tournament features provincial champions who earned their places through the Ministry of Education’s established inter-school football competitions.
Unlike traditional standalone youth tournaments, the Zanaco Grassroots U17 Tournament is built on the existing schools football structure, with no separate qualification process. Teams progressed by winning their respective provincial championships, ensuring that the country’s top-performing government school sides have the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
In addition to the on-field action, the tournament places a strong emphasis on player development, recognition and welfare. Winning teams and outstanding individual performers will be rewarded with trophies, medals and other prizes for their schools, while organisers have implemented strict child safeguarding measures to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants throughout the competition.
MATCH DAY 1 Results| Boys Category;
Muchinga Province 1-1 Northern Province
(Nathan Simukoko 32’ | Mischeck Muwowo 12’)
Luapula Province 0-0 Copperbelt Province
Girls Category;
