Zambia U17 AFCON Hopes Squashed!

Defending champions Zambia have been eliminated from the 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Qualifiers and will miss the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Malawi on Sunday afternoon in a Group B encounter.

This was Zambia’s defeat at the ongoing championship in Zimbabwe, having lost 4-0 to South Africa on Friday and will wrap up their participation with a formality match against already booted out Madagascar.

Zambia began brightly, with Albert Kunda testing the Malawian goalkeeper in the 2nd minute and later winning a free kick after being fouled. Kunda opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to give the Junior Chipolopolo an early lead.

Malawi responded strongly, leveling through James Lumbe’s strike in the 30th minute. Deep into additional time of the first half, VAR awarded Malawi a penalty, which Lumbe converted in the 45+5 minute to make it 2-1 at the break.

Coach Chris Kaunda made several changes in the second half, including bringing on Pablo Ndalama and Kelvin Chipelu, but Malawi’s defense held firm. Despite sustained pressure, Zambia could not find an equalizer.

The result means Zambia, winners of the last two editions, are officially out of contention for a place at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Malawi will now battle for top spot with South Africa.