Zambia Open COSAFA Title Defene with Tasty Tie Against South Africa
Zambia’s quest for a record third straight Cosafa U17 boys title takes off this afternoon (Friday) against perennial rivals South Africa at the Ngoni Stadium in Norton, Zimbabwe.
The Chris Kaunda side is not only focusing on retaining the title but also gunning for the top four spot which earns them qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations which is a gateway to the FIFA World Cup.
With only the three group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semifinals, every game will carry the weight of a knockout.
The tie between Zambia and South Africa carry the weight of a final before a final as the two sides are the most dominant in this age group.
Zambia enter as defending champions and the most successful side in COSAFA U17 history, having lifted the title in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024. South Africa are next on the roll of honour with three titles and a remarkable eight finals appearances.
The two nations are no strangers to each other, having twice met in the finals of the competition.
Zambia also eliminated South Africa’s Amajimbos at the semifinal stage of last year’s tournament.
Zambia has some of the stars that qualified for the FIFA World Cup like midfielder Mapalo Simute who is still eligible for this competition.
Simute is among five players from that squad who featured at the AFCON this year and later qualified to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in to be held Qatar this November.
The others are Nthasiwile Malupande, Joseph Zulu, Kelvin Chipelu, and William Zulu.
Assistant coach Francis Kombe says the team is under no pressure despite being defending champions.
He expressed confidence in the squad, citing the positive attitude and commitment shown by the players.
Meanwhile, team doctor Emmanuel Kanswe has declared a clean bill of health ahead of the clash.
Zambia and South Africa face off in the second fixture of the day at 15h00, while Malawi takes on Madagascar in the opening match at 12h00 hours at the same venue.
FULL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
William Zulu (Atletico Lusaka), Christopher Wamundila (Junior Crocs)
(DEFENDERS)
Emmanuel Mbuti (Young Crocs), Danivar Sianchongwe (Titans FC). Bright Phiri Atletico Lusaka), Levison Banda (Superade Academy), Pablo Ndalama (Dream Factory)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Joseph Chizawu, Steven Lungu (Morkved Academy), Gift mumbi (Shamuel FC ), Ntasiwile Malupande, Nelson Chilemu (both Kafue Celtic), Temwani Siamfukwe (Atletico Lusaka)
(STRIKERS)
Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Mambwe Kalusa Atletico Lusaka), Reuben Kampamba (Shamuel FC), Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Albert Kunda (Demofras Academy), Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi pirates), Caleb Musonda (Young Crocs).
By FAZ
