Zambia are Under-20 African Champions!

Junior Chipolopolo of Zambia emerged champions at the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations after the hosts defeated Senegal 2-0 in the final on Sunday. We applaud the young men for this achievement

The first half goals from Patson Daka and Edward Chilufya secured Zambia their first ever U-20 AFCON title, Daka placed Zambia ahead in the 15th minute after Senegal goalkeeper failed to hold on to a low cross which escaped from his hands and on to the path of Daka who finished off at close range. In the 35th minute, a not so good clearance from Senegal keeper came off Chilufya before finding itself into the empty net.

Read: Indomitable Lions clinch the prestigious Afcon trophy

It was Zambia’s first appearance in the U-20 AFCON final, while this was the second time Senegal was playing in the final at this level, their previous appearance having come two years ago on home soil when they lost 1-0 to Nigeria. The defeat to Zambia was the first for Francois Koto since 2015.

Watch the goals that became game-changers.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=52Y4hDkh044

Apart from being the second Southern African country after Angola (in 2001) to be crowned champions, Zambia’s feat makes them the fourth host to claim the ultimate prize after Morocco (1997), Ghana (1999) and Congo (2007). It was also the only team in the competition to win all matches and Chipolopolo topped the remarkable run by clinching the grand tittle.

Read: Nigeria’s Super Falcons soar to clinch eight Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title

In the third place play-off played earlier at the same venue Guinea defeated South Africa 2-1 to finish as bronze medalists. All semifinalists have automatically qualified for the 2017 Fifa Under-20 World Cup to be hosted in Republic of Korea from 20 May to 11 June. The draw for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup will be conducted on Wednesday, March 15.