Zambia reignited its campaign at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Tanzania in a pulsating Group A encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia on Monday night.
The Young Chipolopolo left it late—very late—but ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a stoppage-time penalty awarded following a tense Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The result gives Zambia a crucial lifeline in their quest to advance to the knockout stages of the prestigious continental tournament.
The match was a gritty and cagey affair, with both sides displaying strong defensive organization and few clear-cut chances. As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, it appeared the game was heading for a goalless draw. However, in the dying moments of added time, Tanzanian defender Ismail Ally was judged—after VAR consultation—to have brought down Zambia’s Emmanuel Mutale inside the penalty area.
The referee had initially waved play on, but after reviewing the footage on the pitch-side monitor, he reversed his decision and pointed to the spot. The Zambian bench erupted in celebration as the team was handed a golden opportunity to snatch victory from the jaws of a draw.
Up stepped striker Rickson Ng’ambi, who kept his composure under immense pressure and calmly slotted home the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and the Zambian fans into wild celebrations.
The hard-fought win moves Zambia up the Group A standings, boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout phase. It also restores confidence within the squad following their earlier struggles in the group, including a defeat in the opening match.
Coach Chisi Mbewe praised his team’s resilience and mental toughness after the match.
“We showed great character tonight,” Mbewe said in the post-match press conference. “It wasn’t an easy game, but we believed in ourselves and kept pushing. The boys deserved this win.”
Zambia will now turn their attention to their final group match, where another strong performance could see them secure a place in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Tanzania, who have also shown flashes of promise, will be left rueing missed opportunities and a late lapse in concentration.
With the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations serving as a key pathway to future stars of African football, Zambia’s late heroics will not only boost their tournament hopes but also continue to inspire fans back home who are eager to see the next generation of Chipolopolo talent shine on the continental stage.