Zambia Under-20 Miss AFCON Qualification

By Chansa Kunda The Zambia Under-20 men’s football team has failed to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after suffering a 4-2 defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2026 COSAFA Championship, which also served as a qualifier for the continental tournament. The Junior Chipolopolo took the lead through DUNCAN MUSAILELA in the 28th minute and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. South Africa responded strongly in the second half, with STEVEN MENDES equalising in the 63rd minute before adding a second goal a minute later to put his side ahead. Zambia fought back and drew level in the 75th minute through JONATHAN KALIMINA, making it 2-2. However, the match turned in the 81st minute when KALIMINA was sent off for a handball offence, resulting in a penalty for South Africa. OARABILE BOOYSEN converted from the spot in the 84th minute before EMILE WITBOOI sealed the victory with South Africa’s fourth goal. The win sends South Africa into the COSAFA Championship final and secures qualification to the 2027 Under-20 AFCON. Speaking after the match, Under-20 Coach PERRY MUTAPA said Zambia created several scoring opportunities but failed to make the most of them. MUTAPA said the team’s objective was to qualify for the AFCON, a target they have now missed. Meanwhile, South Africa Coach RAYMOND MDAKA expressed delight with his side’s performance and the result.