By 
The Zambia Under-17 Men’s National Team retained their COSAFA U-17 Championship title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Angola in the final played on Friday in South Africa.
Abel Nyirongo opened the scoring for Zambia in the 7th minute, converting a precise Robert Banda cross with a near-post finish.
Angola equalized just before halftime when Omar Oliveira’s free kick deflected off Zambia’s Jonathan Kalimina for an own goal.
The second half saw high-stakes action as Zambia was awarded a penalty in the 74th minute after Emmanuel Mbuti was fouled in the box.
However, Nyirongo’s spot-kick was saved by Angola goalkeeper Gelson Dala.
Nyirongo redeemed himself in the dying moments of the match, netting the decisive goal after a clever assist from Jimmy Banda to secure Zambia’s 2-1 triumph.
Zambia’s triumph underscores their dominance in the tournament, successfully defending their COSAFA U-17 Championship crown.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s U-17 Women’s National Team made history by claiming the COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship with a record-breaking performance, thrashing Lesotho 15-0 in the final.
The emphatic victory highlights the growing strength of women’s football in Zambia and the effectiveness of grassroots development programs.
Both victories showcase Zambia’s commitment to nurturing talent in men’s and women’s football, cementing the country’s status as a regional powerhouse.
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