Give Zambians COSAFA Cup trophy as an Independence Gift

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has urged the Zambia Under-20 national team to win the final of the Under-20 COSAFA Cup as an Independence gift for the nation.

The Junior Chipolopolo have reached the finals of the regional tournament and secured qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship.

Kamanga, who has congratulated the team, says the back-to-back qualification for the under-20 boys is a moment of pride for the association and the national at large.

Kamanga adds that lifting the trophy in Saturday’s final against South Africa will add to the 60th Independence anniversary flavour that has engulfed the nation.

“On behalf of my executive committee, I wish to congratulate the under-20 national team and the technical bench. The qualification to the AFCON is yet another milestone that speaks to the progress espoused in our 10-year strategic plan,” says Kamanga.

“We urge the team to remain focused and aim to lift the trophy on Saturday and add to the 60th independence anniversary flavour that has engulfed the nation. AFCON qualification is a perfect independence gift for the Zambian people by our under-20 side.”

Zambia, who are defending champions, beat Zimbabwe 6-5 on post-match penalties after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time and will now be aiming to win a record 13th title.

Zambia were crowned U20 AFCON champions in 2017 and only made a return to the 2023 edition, with the 2025 edition marking back-to-back qualification.