Brave Young Chipolopolo Bow Out of AFCON U20 Despite Unbeaten Run
Zambia’s U20 national team bowed out of the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night despite a spirited 1-1 draw against South Africa at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo. The result saw both teams finish their group stage campaigns unbeaten, but heartbreakingly, Zambia missed out on a quarter-final spot.
It was a tense, high-energy encounter from the first whistle, with South Africa drawing first blood in the 8th minute through Kutlwano Letlhaku, who finished off a quick counter-attack led by Mfundo Vilakazi.
The Young Chipolopolo responded with characteristic resilience, levelling the score just four minutes later. Bonephanseo Phiri calmly slotted home from the middle of the box after a pinpoint delivery from David Hamansenya, giving Zambian fans hope of a comeback.
Zambia continued to press, especially in the second half, growing into the match and nearly stealing it in stoppage time when substitute Perkins Mumba Mwale forced a brilliant save from the South African goalkeeper. Keeper Leevison Banda also put in a strong performance, keeping out multiple efforts from the lively Vilakazi.
Despite ending the group phase unbeaten, with one win and three draws, Zambia’s tally of six points saw them finish fourth in Group A. The team opened their campaign with goalless draws against Egypt and Sierra Leone before defeating Tanzania 1-0 and then drawing with South Africa.
South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Egypt all finished with seven points, with the South Africans topping the group on goal difference. Sadly for Zambia, that left them just outside the qualification spots.
This early exit is a tough pill to swallow for Zambia, who lifted the U20 continental title in 2017. While the team showed defensive solidity and fighting spirit, they struggled to convert chances, scoring just two goals in four matches.
Friday’s match saw tensions boil over at times, with yellow cards handed to Eliya Mandanji of Zambia and Gomolemo Kekana of South Africa in a fiercely contested affair.
Although their journey ends here, the Young Chipolopolo leave the tournament with heads held high, unbeaten, proud, and with lessons to build on for the future.
