Zambia Frustrate Hosts Egypt to Keep U-20 AFCON Hopes Alive

Ismailia, Egypt – Zambia’s U-20 side produced a disciplined and determined performance to hold hosts Egypt to a 0-0 draw on Saturday night, maintaining their unbeaten run in the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

Coming into the match on the back of a goalless opener against Sierra Leone, the Young Chipolopolo showed grit and defensive organisation to shut out a determined Egyptian attack in front of their home crowd in Ismailia.

Goalkeeper Levison Banda stood tall once again, pulling off several important saves, while defenders Charles Buyoya and Happy Nsiku marshalled the back line effectively under intense pressure. Egypt controlled possession for long periods, but Zambia held firm and created chances of their own — the best falling to David Simukonda in stoppage time, only for the forward to sky his effort with the goal beckoning.

Joseph Sabobo and Rickson Ng’ambi were lively throughout the match, offering attacking spark for Zambia on the counter, though the final touch continued to elude the team.

Zambia now sit on two points from two matches and will face South Africa in a decisive final group game. A win would likely send them through to the knockout stages, while a draw could still offer a chance depending on other results.

Meanwhile, the draw heaps more pressure on Egypt, who remain second in the group but face a must-win encounter against Tanzania on Friday.