Zambia crowned 2016 COSAFA Under-20 champions

Under-20 champions of Southern Africa - Zambia

Zambia have been crowned champions of the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships after defeating South Africa 2-1 in the final at the Moruleng Stadium on Friday evening.

The Young Chipolopolo were deserved winners of the tournament and they claimed an 11th regional Undder-20 title thanks to goals either side of halftime from Kenneth Kalunga and Boyd Musonda.

South Africa had levelled the scores through Kabelo Seriba but the hosts were largely outplayed and relinquished the title they won three years ago in Lesotho.   

Zambia were the stronger team in the first half and would have been disappointed to go into the break level at 1-1.

They took the lead in the eighth minute after a period of concerted pressure when Kalunga ghosted into the box unmarked to fire the Young Chipolopolo ahead.

Happy times... the Young Chipolopolo

Kalunga almost made it 2-0 shortly afterwards but saw his goal-bound effort blocked by South African captain Tercious Malepe.

An over-run home side made a switch on the half-hour mark bringing on Shane Saralina to replace Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in an attempt to bring more solidity on the pitch. The change worked. Amajita were level on 41 minutes when Luther Singh’s freekick struck the crossbar and, with Zambia goalkeeper Mangani Banda unable to clear adequately, Seriba crashed home the rebound.

South Africa could have taken the lead early 10 minutes into the second half when Singh almost found a way through only to be denied by a fine stop from Banda. Zambia also had their chances with forward Patson Daka having two efforts well saved by Sanele Tshabalala in the hosts’ goals.

Zambia did grab their winner five minutes from time when Musonda turned the ball home and the Young Chipolopolo were able to hold on for a deserved victory. 

Earlier in the day in the bronze-medal match, the Democratic Republic of Congo also had something to celebrate as they took home the bronze medal with a penalty shoot-out victory over Angola.

DR Congo took the lead after Angola fullback Pedro Alves put the ball into his own net but they were pegged back as Zinadine Catraio equalised from the penalty spot. DR Congo, however, held their nerve to win the penalty shootout and claim third place.