Chisi Mbewe has warned his Zambia U20 team that the mission isn’t accomplished despite securing 2023 U20 AFCON qualification until Sunday’s COSAFA U20 final against Mozambique.
Zambia beat Angola 3-2 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 full-time result at the ongoing tournament in Eswatini to qualify for their first U20 AFCON since winning it as hosts in 2017.
But Zambia worked hard to earn their ticket to the 2023 U20 AFCON in Egypt after they rallied from one-down to equalize just before halftime against a stubborn Angola side at Somhlolo Stadium.
MBEWE PLEASED
“I am happy we have qualified for the U20 AFCON. The positives in this game are that we didn’t give up,” Mbewe said.
Angola dominated the first half in which they took a deserved lead in the 31st minute through Domingos Bandeira.
But Zambia’s snatched an equalizer ten minutes later when Chipyoka Songa fired in a sweet free-kick.
Zambia then had two great chances in the second half with the first one coming in the 76th minute but Derrick Bulaya‘s shot was parried by Deo Yoka.
Yoka again was at his best in the 86th minute this time keeping out a Joseph Banda free kick.
But Zambia’s hero on Friday was goalkeeper Jeban Tembo made two saves in the shoot-outs.
Tembo first denied Luis Eusenio then had a go himself with Zambia’s fourth kick that Yoka saved.
But Tembo redeemed himself when he saved Angolan midfielder Domilson Kipanda penalty to extinguish any notions of an extended shoot-out.
Record COSAFA U20 champions Zambia face holders Mozambique in Sunday’s COSAFA U20 Cup final seeking an unprecedented 12th title.
Mozambique beat 2-1 in the early kickoff at Somhlolo.
“Yes, we have watched Mozambique a couple of times. It won’t be an easy game, it is a game that we need to remind the boys that we need to carry the trophy for the fans back home,” Mbewe said.
