Zambia double delight as the Men’s and Women’s U17 teams win gold in COSAFA Cup

The women’s team was merciless as they defeated debutants Lesotho 15-0 in a one-sided affair, while the men’s team beat Angola 2-1 in a pulsating final. 

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Just recently, the Zambian Senior and U20 Women’s teams also claimed the COSAFA Cup title in Gqeberha and Johannesburg respectively.

Under 17 Men’s team coach Ian Bakala attributes the success to development being on the right track in their country.

''It is very important for us - as you have seen, all national teams have qualified for the Africa Cup and we were the ones remaining. For that I had confidence that we will qualify. From the beginning when I saw the u20 qualify, I said we are next. What makes Zambia win is that all development programs are working very well,'' said Bakala.

Bakala was proud of his players after they successfully defended their COSAFA U17 Men’s Championship title against Angola.

The two nations had already qualified for the 2025 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire by virtue of making the final. Bakala says it is mission accomplished.

''They have done well. I am happy that we challenged for the trophy and it has gone back to our country. I am happy with the boys, like the game we played against South Africa, they came from behind. I think our plan was just to win the championship,'' added Bakala.

Bakala says Angola proved to be a tough customer, reminding them of the semi-final clash with South Africa on Wednesday.

''Angola also, they play good football, just like South Africa who were playing at home. We had nothing to lose knowing that we are playing away. What was important for us, was to work on the boys fitness level,'' he expressed.

Zambia missed a penalty, but Bakala says they would not have done it without the fighting spirit of his players. He also admits that the CAF U17 Men’s AFCON will be a different beast to tackle.

On the individual awards, the big prizes were shared by the two teams. Zambia’s Mapalo Simite claimed the Player of the Tournament award, and Abel Nyirango won the Golden Boot for his seven goals. For Angola, Gelson Dala claimed the Golden Glove, and the country also took home the Fair Play prize.