COSAFA U-20 title defence in good start

AARON MUBANGA writes@SunZambianTHE Zambia U-20 national team started their COSAFA U-20 Championship title defense off to a winning start as they edged Namibia 1-0 on Friday at the Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.Zambia started strong and created chances from early on but Ricky Banda was slow to react in most cases, Golden Mashata should have a goal or two also in the first half but he shot straight at the keeper both times.In the second stanza, Zambia came back a little more polished with Mashata making no mistake in the 61st minute after Namibia failed to adequately clear across, and when the ball fell to him unmarked in the box, his powerful left-footed shot nestled in the bottom corner of the net to put the defending Champions in the lead.Ricky Banda should have made it 2-0 minutes later but his effort went direct at the goalkeeper. Martin Njobvu also came close but failed to put the slightest of touches on the ball to double the lead amid a strong challenge from the Namibian defense.In the end, 1-0 the match ended.Mashata was named man of the match for his goal and an overall good showing in the match.The other match in Group B saw Malawi snatch a later winner against a determined Comoros Islands side that deserved atleast a point fat leastr troubles. Yamikani Mologeni netted in the fourth minute of injury-time with almost the last kick of the game to give the young Flames a winning start to their campaign.Only the top team in each pool as well as best-placed runner-up advance to the semifinals, while the two finalists at this year’s competition will win a place at the 2021 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations.Zambia Starting Line Up : Patrick Chooma ), Andrew Phiri (2), John Chishimba (13), Mathews Chabala (15), Golden Mafwenta (4) (C), Muma Mumba (17), Patrick Gondwe (Prince Mumba 46′), Martin Njobvu (8), Jimmy Mukeya (Derrick Bulaya 65′), Ricky Banda (Peter Banda 90+1′) , Golden Yamikani Mashata (7)Unused Subs : Iford Mwale (1), Peter Chikola (5), Issah Kazembe (18) , Joshua Mutale4), Eliot Kampukesa (11). – ZAMFOOT