Zambia has become the first team to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier. The Junior Chipolopolo cruised to a 3-0 victory over Comoros, with Tumalo Mununga opening the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by goals from Abel Nyirongo and Kayula Chinunda. This win marks their second consecutive victory in Group C, with six points and no goals conceded.
Zambia's impressive performance has guaranteed them top spot in Group C, with a game to spare. The only team that can still match their six points is Malawi, who they defeated in their opening game. Malawi, however, revived their hopes with a 3-0 victory over Botswana, thanks to goals from Misheck Billiat, Clever Kalambo, and Grant Chibalo. This win moved them onto three points, keeping their semi-final ambitions alive.
Defending champions South Africa took control of Group B with a 2-0 victory over Angola. Lazola Maku gave them the lead in the 14th minute, followed by a goal from Steven Mendes four minutes before halftime. This win marks their second consecutive victory, with six points and no goals conceded. Mendes' goal was his third in the tournament, following his brace in the opening victory over Lesotho.
South Africa's perfect start to the tournament has put them in a strong position, while Angola remains on three points. In another match, Eswatini claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lesotho, with captain Njabulo Gama grabbing a stoppage-time winner. This win moved Eswatini onto three points, keeping them in the hunt for a semi-final spot.
The 12-team competition will run until September 27, with the three pool winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals. The two finalists will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF u20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027. With Zambia already through to the semi-finals, the focus shifts to the remaining teams vying for a spot in the last four.
Malawi will conclude their pool campaign against Comoros on Wednesday, while Zambia takes on Botswana. The Junior Flames will look to build on their momentum against Comoros, while Zambia will aim to maintain their perfect record. In Group B, South Africa will face a tough test against Eswatini, who are still in the hunt for a semi-final spot.
The competition is heating up, with several teams still in contention for a spot in the semi-finals. Zambia's impressive performance has set the bar high, but South Africa, Malawi, and Eswatini are all still in the running. The next set of matches will be crucial in determining the final semi-finalists and the teams that will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF u20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.
Key points
- Zambia books semifinal place with 3-0 win over Comoros
- South Africa takes control of Group B with 2-0 victory over Angola
- Malawi keeps semi-final hopes alive with 3-0 win over Botswana
