Zambia mauled Tanzania 4-1 in the second match of group A at the Total Energies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at El Bachir Stadium on Monday.
Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo, Mike Mutale and Gabriel Phiri were on target for Zambia while Juma Sagwe netted the only consolation for the Serengeti Boys.
Zambia opened the score early in the 8th minute, captain Kalimina with a stunning strike outside the box to beat goalkeeper Abrahman Nassoro from distance.
Tanzania gained stability later, launching attacks on the goal of the opposition but the resilient and determined defensive wall slowed down their efforts to find a leveler.
Atlectico Lusaka striker Abel Salim Nyirongo doubled Zambia’s lead before the break with a clinical finish from a brilliant Nthasilwe Mapulande assist.
The Junior Chipolopolo extended the advantage to 3-0 in the 79th minute, Mike Mutale tapping home, following a teasing cross by Robert Banda in the penalty area.
Tanzania pulled one back in stoppage time through KMC forward Juma Sagwe and in a space of seconds substitute Gabriel Phiri sealed the victory for Ian Bakala’s side in another 5 goal thriller.
The emphatic result moved the COSAFA champions to second position, level on points (three) with hosts Morocco who played a day earlier. East African duo Uganda and Tanzania haven’t amassed any point.
