The Zambia U20 men’s national team kicked off their 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a goalless draw against Sierra Leone at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Egypt.

Head coach Boyd Mulwanda said the result was fair for his team, who missed several clear chances to claim all three points.

“Looking at the result 0-0 was a fair result for us. We had opportunities to win the game but we couldn’t convert the chances that we created,” Mulwanda said after the match.

The Junior Chipolopolo were second best for most of the opening 40 minutes, struggling to create any real threats.

Their first real chance came through Pascal Phiri’s individual brilliance, but he failed to beat the Sierra Leone goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

Mulwanda admitted the game was tough for his side against a well-organized Sierra Leone team making their tournament debut.

“Today’s game wasn’t easy for us, it was a tough game. I think Sierra Leone prepared well and looking at the way they were playing, it wasn’t easy for our boys,” he added.

Zambia to face Egypt next

Zambia will face hosts Egypt next on Saturday in their second Group A match. Mulwanda said the team will aim to build on the point earned despite initially targeting a win against Sierra Leone.

“We never expected to get a draw, we thought we are going to win this game, but football sometimes you plan to win but you don’t get the results. But the most important thing is we didn’t lose the game, we got a draw, we have to build on this one.”

Meanwhile, skipper Joseph Sabobo Banda was named Player of the Match after an impressive display, especially in the final third.