
Zambia Clinches COSAFA U-17 Title with Thrilling Victory Over Angola
Zambia successfully defended their COSAFA Under-17 title by edging Angola 2-1 in a tightly contested final at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Stadium on Friday. This victory solidified Zambia’s dominance in regional youth football, coming on the back of their remarkable triumph in the 2024 COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship, where they humiliated Lesotho 15-0.
Match Breakdown
The Zambians dominated much of the match, especially in the first half. Left-winger Mapalo Simute caused constant trouble for the Angolan defense, while Robert Banda exploited the right flank. The breakthrough came as early as the seventh minute when Banda delivered a well-placed cross into the box, allowing Abel Nyirongo to tap in from close range and give Zambia the lead.
Angola, on the back foot for most of the first half, managed an equalizer against the run of play. A deflected Omar Oliveira free kick in the 43rd minute caught Zambia off guard, leveling the score just before halftime.
Second-Half Brilliance
Zambia remained the stronger team in the second half, exploiting Angola’s weaknesses on the flanks. The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when Emmanuel Mbuti was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty. However, Angola’s goalkeeper Gelson Dala denied Nyirongo’s effort to keep the contest alive.
Zambia’s persistence paid off as Jimmy Banda set up Nyirongo for his second goal, completing a clinical brace and sealing the 2-1 victory.
Individual Accolades
- Mapalo Simute: Deservedly earned the Player of the Tournament award for his electrifying pace and creativity.
- Abel Nyirongo: Secured the Golden Boot for his seven goals in the competition, further showcasing Zambia’s attacking firepower.
The Road Ahead
Both Zambia and Angola had already secured their places in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Côte d’Ivoire next year. This triumph gives Zambia added confidence as they prepare to take on Africa’s best on a bigger stage.
Zambia’s double success—defending the Boys’ title and winning the Girls’ Championship—highlights the country’s rising status in African youth football, solidifying its footballing future.


Zambian Super League
Betway and Zambian Premier League End Partnership After Two Years

Zambian Football News
Kundananji Hat-Trick Inspires Copper Queens to 4–2 Away Victory Over Namibia

Zambian Football News
Power Dynamos Edge Vipers Away

MTN Super League Fixtures
2025/26 MTN Super League Fixtures – Week Six Preview & Analysis

FAZ National League
ZPL 2025/26 National League Matchweek 7 Preview

Zambian Football News
Barbra Banda Highest-Ranked African in 2025 Ballon d’Or Rankings

Zambian Football News
Kingstone Mutandwa Crowned Player Of The Week

Zambian Football News
“We Played as Trained, But South Africa Outclassed Us – Chris Kaunda”

Bola Yapa Zed TV
Watch: Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone: Extended Highlights

Bola Yapa Zed
Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars

Zambian Football News
Watch Barbra Banda’s Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign

General Football News
Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil
Must Read
-
Zambian Super League
/ 20 hours agoBetway and Zambian Premier League End Partnership After Two Years
By Bola Yapa Zed | 22nd October, 2025 The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 21 hours agoKundananji Hat-Trick Inspires Copper Queens to 4–2 Away Victory Over Namibia
The Copper Queens took a huge step toward qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 2 days agoJunior Chipolopolo Set for Dubai Camp Ahead of Junior Chipolopolo Set for Dubai Camp Ahead of FIFA U17 World Cup
Zambia’s U17 Men’s National Team, fondly known as the Junior Chipolopolo, are set to...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 2 days agoPower Dynamos Edge Vipers Away
Power Dynamos have taken a massive step towards the CAF Champions League group stage...
By Chikondi