Zambia are champions again

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday December 13, 2010 00:00

 

Zambia put on a splendid show in front of their FA President Kalusha Balywa to defend their Metropolitan COSAFA under-20 title by beating Namibia 4-1 here yesterday.

Zambia found the opener on the 13th minute when tournament top goal scorer Chakwa Lungu squeezed in a powerful low drive from a tight angle giving Namibian goal minder, Colin Ndjai, no chance. Lungu increased his tally four minutes later finishing with a beautiful low header. The Namibians, who were making their maiden appearance in the cup final, did their all to get back into the groove but often found it difficult to penetrate the rock-solid Zambian rearguard.

Zambia put the game beyond their opponents' reach with a third goal in the last additional minute of the first half. An unmarked Kabwe at the rear post pounced in with his inner left foot to extend his side's lead. They did not fall back after the break continuing where they left off and Macha scored the fourth goal to wrap up the final early for the defending champions.

The Namibians' consolation goal came on the 86th minute through Tjozongoro but it was already too late to prevent Zambia from reaching glory.

The champions went on to dominate the awards session scooping three individual awards ; Lungu winning the top goal scorer award with five goals, while player of the tournament went to captain Simon Silwimba. They also received the fair play award while Zimbabwean goalkeeper George Chigova won goalkeeper of the tournament.

Speaking to Sport Monitor in a post-match interview, Zambia assistant coach Beston Chambeshi said they had a solid game plan for the finals that worked for them.

An elated Zambia FA President, Bwalya, congratulated the boys and the technical team for a job well done.

Bwalya said the team has shown great potential to be one of the greatest Zambian sides of this generation. For his part, Namibia coach Ricardo Manneti said his side lost with their heads held high. 'The boys did well, we made history becoming the first Namibian team to proceed to the finals, they lost to a good side anyway and I still respect them very well,' Manetti said.

Team line-ups:Zambia: Charles Mweemba-Peter Mulenga, Alex Sichone, Chrishimba Changala, Richard Kasonde, Silwimba-Lungu (Simon Kapengwe 90+3), Patrick Sakala, Rodrick Kabwe (Moses Phiri 83), Christopher Munthali, Lewis Macha.

Namibia: Ndjai- Robinson Iyambo, Sakeus Wibard, Larry Horaeb, Steven Sabatha, Neville Tjieueza (Papi Kavezembi 58), Alfeus Handura, Willy Stephanus, Eslin Kahmuhanga (Tjozongoro 58), Sadney Shilongo, Roger Katjiteo (Absalom Imbodi 77).