The Zambia Under-20 teams hopes of a dream start to their Cosafa Under-20 Championships ambitions suffered a setback on Saturday after drawing 1-1 with Angola in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
Zambia laboured to beat an jaded Angola who arrived just 12 hours before kickoff due to protracted flight delays from Luanda.
And it was Angola who took a 1-0 lead into the break thanks to a 43d minute goal from their German based striker Tobias.
Kabwe Warriors striker Emmanuel Mayuka broke his Under-20 duck with the equalizer in the 50th minute as both sides laboured for most of the game on the artificial pitch.
“We were tired and conceded a silly goal against Zambia but both teams still have a chance of qualifying,” Angolan coach Felium Remeu said after the game.
Both teams are on 1 point each while Namibia lead on 3 points after they crushed Seychelles 6-1 in the other Group B match on Saturday.
Tomorrow, Zambia face Seychelles while Angola take on Namibia in matches both teams penultimate pool fixtures that they need to win to keep their semifinal dreams alive.
And in the Mosi Cup, Zesco United stayed firmly on course to defend their Mosi Cup title after a 1-0 semifinal win over Konkola Blades at Nchanga Stadium on Saturday.
Rainford Kalaba’s goal was all that Zesco needed to book a second successive Mosi cup final meeting against Red Arrows.
Arrows beat National assembly 4-1 at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka on the same date.
Zesco beat arrows 2-0 in last years final played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.
Zesc are chasing a 4th Cup honor of the year after winning the league, Coca Cola Cup, Charity Shield.
However they could bag another Cup next Saturday should they beat Chambishi next weekend in the final of the Barclays Cup.
Drawing with Angola is sad but we can still make it to the final. Go Zambia, go young chipolopolo, swho the world that you are best.
I watched the team when they came to Canada and we all know how much potential they have. with the few players they returned, I have no doubt of their ability to bounce back and going all the way to winning the title. am reminded of their first game against Jordan which they drew 1 all. Best of wishes Zambia!
Guys I know it’s not right to force names on the coach but I think Mayuka must go to Ghana.