Zambia beat Malawi 2-0 in their opening game Group A game at the Cosafa Under-20 tournament.
The match was played at Nkana stadium in Kitwe.
The hosts were playing well and creating chances but two crucial saves from Malawi goalkeeper Charles Thom denied them a chance to take the lead towards the end of the first half.
In the second half, Zambia continued their dominance and in 47th minute Edward Chilufya of Zambia missed a golden chance after receiving a good cross.
In the 55th minute, Peter Banda also wasted a chance for Malawi when he blasted over the bar after receiving the ball from Chinsinsi Mawonga.
Two minutes later, Zambia introduced Prince Mumba for Lameck Banda. That substitution worked wonders for the hosts as Mumba broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after a good pass a ball from William Malumbo.
Mumba doubled Zambia’s lead and his tally in 85th minute as he bmade it 2-0.
In a post-match interview, Zambia coach Charles Bwale said Malawi were looking to disturb his side but they still managed to win.
“Yes we expected to win and we knew Malawi came to disturb us but we managed to win the game thanks to my boys for the good job,” he said.
Malawi Under-20 coach Meke Mwase congratulated Zambia and praised his boys’ spirit.
“Let me congratulate Zambia for the win and hard luck to my boys although we lost it was just due to poor marking in the second half,” said Mwase.
The result means Zambia are on top of Group A which also includes Mozambique and South Africa.
In Group C, Lesotho and Angola shared a point each following a 1-all draw.
