Simute and Phiri Lead Zambia to Historic 8-0 Win Over Namibia
Zambia’s Under-17 football team delivered a scintillating performance in their opening match of the COSAFA U17 Cup, hammering Namibia 8-0 in an emphatic display of dominance. The result not only set the tone for their campaign but also showcased their attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
Mapalo Simute wasted no time making his mark, opening the scoring in the very first minute with a clinical finish following a brilliant move involving Robert Banda. Simute struck again in the 4th minute, pouncing on a rebound to double Zambia’s lead, sending the crowd at the stadium into jubilation.
Namibia struggled to keep up with Zambia’s pace and precision, as the Junior Chipolopolo dominated possession and created chance after chance. Midfielder Vincent Mutondo controlled the tempo of the game with ease, while Felix Phiri and Simute wreaked havoc down the wings with their speed and clever runs.
Zambia’s relentless attack yielded further dividends in the 43rd minute when Abel Nyirongo headed in a Jonathan Kalimina cross to make it 3-0. Just moments later, Namibia’s woes deepened as Kalimina himself found the back of the net to make it 5-0 early in the second half.
The Junior Chipolopolo showed no signs of letting up as the game progressed. Gabriel Phiri added a spectacular hat-trick, scoring in the 82nd, 87th, and 90th minutes to cap off a remarkable victory. Zambia’s defence, marshaled superbly by James Sibene, ensured Namibia rarely posed a threat throughout the encounter.
With this commanding victory, Zambia sits comfortably at the top of Group B, brimming with confidence ahead of their next match against Zimbabwe on Saturday. Zimbabwe, who themselves registered an impressive 5-1 victory over eSwatini in their opener, are expected to provide a sterner test.
The Junior Chipolopolo’s emphatic win is a statement of intent in their quest to secure COSAFA U17 glory. Their blend of youth, skill, and determination makes them strong contenders for the title. Fans will now eagerly await Saturday’s clash, where Zambia will look to build on this momentum and solidify their position in the group.
