TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON: Zambia cruise past Tanzania in emphatic U-17 AFCON victory

Zambia opened their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania at Stade El Bachir on Monday.

A composed display from the Junior Chipolopolo saw them take control early and never look back, with goals from four different players securing a crucial win in Group A.

Jonathan Kalimina got things started for Zambia with a superb long-range effort in the 8th minute that nestled into the bottom corner.

The East Africans struggled to respond, and Zambia doubled their lead just before half-time when Abel Nyirongo finished from close range after a well-placed cross from Nthasilwe Malupande.

Tanzania had their chances, especially in the early stages of the second half, with Juma Sagwe forcing a save and seeing several efforts blocked, but Zambia’s defensive organisation kept them at bay.

Mike Mutale effectively sealed the result for Zambia in the 79th minute, tapping in from close range after a VAR review confirmed the goal.

Despite a late push from Tanzania, which saw Juma Sagwe pull one back with a well-taken header in stoppage time, Zambia had the final say.

Substitute Gabriel Phiri added a fourth just two minutes later to wrap up a dominant performance.

The win places Zambia in a strong early position in Group A as they are joint top with Morocco with three points each, while Tanzania will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Uganda on Thursday.