Zambia triumphs in COSAFA Under-17 Championships

Zambia celebrated double victories in the 2024 COSAFA Under-17 Championships, securing titles in both boys' and girls' competitions at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Stadium.

In the boys' final, Zambia defeated Angola 2-1, with Abel Nyirongo scoring a crucial brace. Nyirongo claimed the Golden Boot after scoring seven goals throughout the tournament. Mapalo Simute was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance.

In the girls' tournament, the Copper Princesses crushed Lesotho 15-0 in a one-sided final. Team captain Mercy Chipasula was the star, scoring an incredible seven goals and winning both the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot awards.

Both Zambian teams had already qualified for the continental finals in Côte d'Ivoire next year. The victories complete a remarkable year for Zambian women's football, following similar successes in the Under-20 and senior women's teams.

Angola's goalkeeper Gelson Dala won the Golden Glove in the boys' tournament, while Lesotho received the Fair Play award.

Image: COSAFA