THE Zambia Under-20 national soccer team have been crowned 2022 Cosafa Kings after edging Mozambique 1-0 in the final played at Somhlolo Stadium in eSwatini. A lone first half goal from Kingstone Mutandwa was all the junior Chipolopolo needed to dethrone Mozambique who were the defending champions and claim a 12th COSAFA Under-20 trophy.
“This is a great feeling and a glory goes to God. We are doing this for the Zambians we were sent here not just to participate but to compete which we have achieved,” Under-20 coach Chisi Mbe[1]we said after the final whistle. “We played five games and won all the five games which is not easy so I’m really happy with the way the boys played and may I appreciate the technical staff for their impute to ensure that we reach this far and win the Cosafa Cup,” he added.
The victory comes two days after the Junior Chipolopolo qualified for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations slated for next year in Egypt. On the pitch, Mbewe had made three changes to his starting squad for the fi[1]nal against Mozambique and started Amon Chulu, Emmanuel Mukosha and Joseph Sabobo Banda who replaced Julius Kumwenda and injured Songa Chipyoka. Zambia went on to dominate the first stanza and claimed the lead five minutes after the half hour mark through Mutandwa.
In the second half the Junior Chipolopolo continued to dominate and created numerous chances. Derick Bulaya, Emmanuel Mukoshe and Rickson Nga’mbi who were unfortunate on the day as they couldn’t beat Fasistencio Joao who was excellent between the sticks for Mozambique.
After being crowned Cosafa kings, the Junior Chipolopolo went on to dominate the individual awards as goalkeeper Jeban Tembo was named goal keeper of the tournament after he kept four clean sheets and allowed only one goal in five matches. Young Charles Mumba who was voted as man of the match in the final also walked away with the player of the tournament award for his exploits in the final while Angolan striker Denilson Makokisa won the golden boot award. In the third and fourth playoff, South Africa defeated Angola on post-match penalties to scoop bronze
