Late Zambia penalty eliminates Tanzania from U-20 AFCON

Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia

A late and dramatic turn of events handed Zambia a decisive win over Tanzania in their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group A match at Suez Canal Stadium. Team captain Joseph Banda converted a late penalty to give Zambia a 1-0 victory.

The Young Chipolopolo opted for a high press as they stifled Tanzania in the opening minutes. However, chances were limited as the East Africans quickly grew into the game.

Zambia striker Eliya Mandanji forced a superb save from Tanzania keeper Anthony Mpemba in the 15th minute. Tanzania could have broken the deadlock through Sheikhan Khamis’s well-taken free kick, which was parried away by Zambia keeper Levison Banda. Khamis also missed a clear-cut chance with a header before the interval.

The second half saw a much-improved Tanzania but their wastefulness in front of goal cost them late in the game. In the 63rd minute, Tanzania midfielder Jammy Seleman failed to hit the target with a volley. Zambia had their fair share of attempts when Elvis Mulenga’s powerful shot was saved by Mpemba.

Tanzania left-back Ismail Ally rattled the bar from a direct corner but at the other end conceded a very silly penalty, which Banda converted to hand Zambia the victory.

In second place, Zambia still have work to do against South Africa on Friday in their final Group A match. With one match remaining on Friday against hosts Egypt, Tanzania are eliminated from contention to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Group A Table

	GP	Points
Sierra Leone	3	7
Zambia	3	5
Egypt	3	4
South Africa	2	3
Tanzania	3	0

• The group winners and runners-up qualify to the quarterfinals.

• The two best third placed teams from the three groups qualify to the quarterfinals.