Billy Daka came off the bench to score a brace as the Young Chipolopolo secured a deserved 2-0 victory over Malawi in their opening match of the 2026 COSAFA U-20 Championship.
Daka, who was introduced in the 63rd minute for Kayula Chinunda, made an immediate impact as Zambia began their campaign on a winning note.
The Young Chipolopolo had two goals disallowed by VAR during the match, but continued to press for the breakthrough and were eventually rewarded in the closing stages.
Daka broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when he rose highest to head home a perfect cross from Jonathan Kalimina.
Malawi struggled to respond as Zambia maintained control, with Daka putting the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.
The substitute completed his brace in the sixth minute of added time with a close-range strike to seal a 2-0 victory.
The result gives Zambia a winning start to their COSAFA U-20 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Young Chipolopolo will face Comoros in their second match on Monday, with victory guaranteeing their place in the semifinals.
The top two teams at the COSAFA U-20 Championship will qualify for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
