Zambia sail to second round of FIFA World Cup

Zambia overcame a two goal deficit against Iran to turn the tie on its head and win 4-2 to sail through to the second round of the U-20 FIFA World Cup Korea Republic.

It was the first time Zambia had won back to back matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Both sides had gone into this fixture on the back of first round wins and it was Iran who struck first in the sixth minute with Reza Shekari benefitting from a poor Mangani Banda clearance to tap home.

Things took a turn for the worse for the African champions when second half substitute Patson Daka clattered into Iran skipper Norafkan in the 47th minute with the referee pointing to the spot.

Shekari stepped up send Banda the wrong way and record his brace which was as far as Iran went in impressing in this match that had a lingering fairy tale twist.

Rather than be dampened by the 2-0 deficit the African champions sprung to life with Fashion Sakala turning in a perfect long pass from Solomon Sakala in the 54th minute.

The Iranians had hardly comprehended what had hit them when Enock Mwepu rifled home after a delightful move that started with Edward Chilfuya bursting on the right wing and laid the ball for Emmanuel Banda who teed up the scorer.

With the Iranian defence that had given a false sense of solidity falling apart Zambia went ahead for the first time when Sakala trudged from the by-line to float the ball to Mwepu whose initial effort was palmed away by Mirzazad but fell mercifully at the feet of Banda who smashed home – FAZ Facebook page.

Daka closed business on 70 minutes with a well struck effort outside the box with Mwepu turning provider.