Junior Chipolopolo Boys Settle for Bronze After Beating Namibia 3-0
Zambia settled for bronze at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/Confederation of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) Qualifier after cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Namibia at the ABB Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique.
The Junior Chipolopolo Boys bounced back strongly from their semi-final disappointment against South Africa, producing a dominant display to finish the tournament on a winning note.
Defender Gift Mumbi put Zambia in front in the first half, giving Perry Mutapa’s side a deserved advantage heading into the break.
Zambia continued to control proceedings after the restart, with forward Sipho Muntanga taking centre stage by scoring twice to complete a convincing victory and seal the bronze medal for the Junior Chipolopolo Boys.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Amajita successfully defended their regional crown after defeating hosts Mozambique 2-1 in an entertaining final at the ABB Stadium.
The victory saw South Africa retain the COSAFA Under-20 title and further underline their continued presence at the top of the regional competition.
The two finalists, South Africa and Mozambique, also secured qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after reaching the final.
For Zambia, the bronze medal provides a positive finish to the campaign after the Junior Chipolopolo Boys responded to their semi-final setback with a convincing victory over Namibia.
