U-17 World Cup: Zambia overcome slow start to down Indonesia

Promising Atletico Lusaka striker Abel Nyirongo propelled Zambia to a 3-1 victory in their opening match at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday.

After falling behind to an early goal, the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations quarterfinalists sparked into action through their talisman. In the 35th minute, Nyirongo arrived with a sliding finish to equalize from Kelvin Mulenga’s cross.

Nyirongo, who has already scored a couple of goals for his club in the ongoing Zambia Super League campaign, needed less than three minutes to double his tally and put the Junior Chipolopolo ahead. Jonathan Kalimina pounced on a loose pass in the midfield and initiated a quick counter-attack to set up Nyirongo for a finish from long range and suddenly it was the African side in the lead.

But Junior Chipolopolo were not finished. With halftime approaching, they dealt another devastating blow to the opposition with a goal that looked identical to Nyirongo’s first goal. This time it was Lukonde Mwale who was on the finishing end following another incursion down the right flank and cross from Mulenga.

Indonesia attempted to rally in the second half but lacked the attacking qualify to trouble their opponents, who are now in a strong position to build towards advancement to the knockout stages. Junior Chipolopolo will next face Honduras on Friday in Group H, where a draw or victory will settle the team’s nerves before facing group favorites Brazil for their final group stage match.