Zambia will lock horns with South Africa this evening in a decisive Group A fixture of the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
The match, taking place in Cairo, marks a crucial rematch of last year’s COSAFA U20 final, where South Africa defeated Zambia 2-0 to clinch the title. Both teams secured qualification for this AFCON through that tournament, and now meet again in a game that could determine their tournament future.
Coach Boyd Mulwanda’s Zambia are unbeaten so far and currently sit third in the group with 5 points, just behind South Africa who are second with 6 points. Leaders Sierra Leone top the group with 7 points but have completed all their group matches, leaving their fate in the hands of today's results.
With hosts Egypt (4 points) also in contention as they face Tanzania, Group A remains wide open. Only the top two teams are guaranteed progression to the quarterfinals, while the third-placed side could still advance as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.
Coach Mulwanda has rallied his players to seek revenge for their COSAFA loss and secure a knockout stage berth—something Zambia hasn't achieved since their title-winning run in 2017.
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