Bola Yapa Zed | 11th November 2025
Zambia U-17 national team coach Dennis Makinka has applauded his players for their spirited performance in a 1-1 draw against four-time champions Brazil in their final Group H match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The result saw the Young Chipolopolo finish second in the group with seven points, level with Brazil but behind on goal difference, securing a spot in the Round of 32.
Zambia impressed early in the match, taking the lead in the 25th minute through captain Jonathan Kalimina, who sensationally scored directly from a corner kick. Brazil later found an equalizer in the 81st minute when Wendeson Santos Dell headed home from close range.
Speaking after the match, coach Makinka commended his side’s resilience and discipline against one of the tournament’s giants.
“I give them credit for the hard work. I mean, today the boys fought like I’ve never seen before,” Makinka said. “This was a very big game, and just a few minutes’ lapse in concentration, we conceded that equaliser, but I thought we could have done better.”
Brazil entered the game with strong momentum after a 7-0 win over Honduras and a 4-0 triumph against Indonesia, but Zambia matched them in intensity and tactical execution.
Makinka revealed that the team had prepared extensively for the clash and praised the players for executing the plan almost perfectly.
“We saw how they played. We planned on defending from crosses, but I think we just slept a bit and allowed them to come back. Otherwise, kudos to the boys, they’ve really done us proud today,” he added.
The Young Chipolopolo have shown steady progress throughout the tournament. Makinka highlighted the team’s growth in both technical play and mental strength.
“I think today even ball movement was better than all the games that we’ve played. The boys are improving with every game that passes,” he said. “If you see the way we played the first game, the second game, and the way we played today, I think the boys are really putting in their best.”
Makinka reiterated that Zambia’s ambition is to go as far as possible in the competition.
“Our target has always been to go as far as we can. We are not limiting ourselves. Every game we come across, we have to take it seriously and try to win,” he stated.
Zambia booked their place in the Round of 32 after recording impressive victories against Indonesia (3-1) and Honduras (5-2) before holding Brazil to a memorable draw.
The Young Chipolopolo now shift focus to the knockout rounds, carrying momentum and belief after a group stage campaign that has captured attention across Africa.
