U-20 storm COSAFA finals

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 10:48:31 +0000

By BENNIE MUNDANDO

THE Zambia U-20 yesterday beat tough-tested DR Congo (DRC) via a 2-1 score-line and qualified to the finals of the 2016 U-20 tournament taking place in South Africa.

DRC made life difficult for Zambia as they played deep in their own half and only relied on counter-attacks which proved too much for the Junior Chipolopolo to deal with as the defenders were caught unawares in most part of the game.

Despite the defensive approach DR Congo employed, the game was somewhat balanced as both teams found spaces from which to exploit their opponent.

DRC were the first to attack after coming out of its defensive cocoon when Rachidi Kuamanbu launched an attack on the right wing to feed Glody Mujinga who forced Mangani Banda into a double save before Shemmy Mayembe cleared the ball to safety.

Three minutes later, Zambia won their first corner from the left which Chrispine Sakulanda perfectly lofted into the area, only for Mayembe to head over the bar.

Zambia’s penalty appeal eight minutes into the game was turned down after Prosper Chilufya seemed to have been brought down in the box.

Referee waved play-on much to the annoyance of the boys but the team came close to stealing the lead two minutes later after Boyd Musonda rocketed his effort from close range.

Zambia had a goal ruled for off-side when a move engineered by Patson Daka found Fashion Sakala who volleyed the ball into the net with precision but the goal could not stand as he was judged to be off-side with 16 minutes played.

Zambia had the second penalty appeal turned down when Nicolas Kazadi brought Daka down in the box with 23 minutes played but the referee ruled that there was no infringement.

Zambia broke the deadlock 17 minutes later when Daka intercepted the ball and released to Sakala who made no mistake but coolly stabbed the ball into the net.

However, Zambia’s celebration was short-lived as DR Congo equalised four minutes later through Chadrack Lukombe who volleyed the ball beyond Banda after some lacklustre defending to tie the score-line at 1-1 at half time.

The second half became a little bit ill-tempered as Zambia was getting frustrated with the defensive approach of the opponents and the frustrations of the players earned Musonda and Sakala yellow cards in quick succession.

The boys however settled down and pressed high for a winner with Sakala, Daka, Phiri, and Musonda all tearing apart the Congolese rear but goals eluded them despite creating a number of goal-scoring chances.

However, Zambia found the back of the net on the 77th minute when Boyd Musonda netted from a direct free-kick to send the Junior Chipolopolo into the finals against winner of the match between South Africa or Angola in the other semi-final match in which South Africa was leading 2-0 by press time.

The final will played on Friday.