Zambia under-20 national team coach Chisi Mbewe is happy that his side has managed to attain the target they set to qualify for the 2023 Egypt Africa cup of nations(AFCON).
Mbewe was speaking after the junior Chipolopolo boys progressed to the COSAFA final via a 3-2 post match penalty shootouts over Angola.
The reigning Zambian Super League champion is delighted that the objective which the team had set has been achieved.
“I am happy that we have qualified for the AFCON after missing out on the last two editions, and I am equally happy with how the team is progressing.
” Our objective was to win all three games in the group stage and we managed to achieve that, and another target was to qualify for the TotalEnergies AFCON, which we have done, and our last target is the final,” he said.
Mbewe also applauded the attitude of his players as they were able to stand the pressure from their Angolan opponents.
” Our boys were able to resist all amount of pressure that was thrown at them, we had to come from behind and we kept on fighting, otherwise they are a lot of positives to pick up from this game,” he said
He added that his focus will now shift to the final against Mozambique who defeated South Africa 2-1 on post match penalties in the first semi-final after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Young Palancas Negras scored first in the 30th minutes before Zesco United tricky winger Chipyoka Songa equalised in the 40th minute from a freekick.
The Young Chipolopolo boys goalkeeper Jeban Tembo saved two penalties to send Zambia to the final of the COSAFA cup where they will look to win the regional championship for the record 12th time.
They have since joined Benin, Nigeria, Gambia, Senegal, Mozambique and the host Egypt who will participate in the AFCON Under-20 which will be held in Egypt next Year.
