Under-20 World Cup: Zambia starts on a good note, beat Portugal

Zambia celebrates after scoring

Zambia made a flying start at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 with a deserved 2-1 win over the highly rated two time champions Portugal.

Donning their new Mafro strip for the first time, the African champion sparked to life in the second half to score two goals that ensured that they collected maximum points in Group C.

Edward Chilufya pounced on a powerful Enock Mwepu rebound in the 50th minute to open the scores for the African champions.

Spartak Moscow striker Fashion Sakala called on his predatory instincts to round up the Portugal backline marshalled by skipper Ruben Dias to rifle home a delightful shot that took the tally to 2-0.
Portugal got their equalizer through Helder late in added time after Zambia staved them off for most of the match.

Zambia had suffered a setback when top rated striker Patson Daka was withdrawn due to injury and replaced with Emmanuel Banda.

The two sides played a cagey first half with chances too few and far between as the two sides went for the break tied 0-all.
Beston Chambeshi’s side waited until the 21st minute to have sight of goal with Conlyde Luchanga connecting with a move that had Enock Mwepu and Daka building up.

Zambia will now face Iran on Wednesday in their second Group C match.

Top two teams automatically qualify to the round of 16 while there will be places for three third best placed sides.
Chambeshi will be happy that his lads have started strong at the tournament that Zambia is returning to after 10 years.

ZAMBIAN TEAM: Mangani Banda (1), Shemmy Mayembe (13), Prosper Chiluya (3), Moses Nyondo (2), Solomon Sakala (5), Boyd Musonda (21), Enock Mwepu (11), Edward Chilufya (14), Patson Daka (20 withdrawn for Emmanuel Banda (12), Fashion Sakala (10), Conlyde Luchanga (withdrawn for Musonda Siame 7) – FAZ.