U-17 World Cup Recap: Zambia nearly upsets Brazil

Zambia already qualified to the Round of 32 at the 2025 U-17 World Cup before Monday’s clash with Brazil, but the Young Chipolopolo continued to impress by coming just short of a major upset by drawing the South American titans 1-1 to finish play in Group H.

⚔️ | 🇿🇲 Zâmbia [1] x 0 Brasil 🇧🇷

⚽ | Jonathan Kalimina

🏆 Copa do Mundo Sub-17 🌍
3ª RODADA | #ZAMxBRA

✉️ Inscreva-se: @zonadofuteboll pic.twitter.com/0SFdSa2mra

— Zona Do Futebol ⚽ (@zonadofuteboll) November 10, 2025

Jonathan Kalimina’s goal direct from a corner kick in the 26th minute put the Brazilian team under serious pressure during a brilliant first half for the African representatives. Brazil proceeded to dominate the second half and eventually found a late equalizer through Dell but the match and result was another strong statement from the Zambian team, who just missed out on winning Group H.

The Young Chipolopolo appear set to be one of the top ranked group runners-up, making it likely that they will have a favorable match in the Round of 32.

Things did not go as well for the other two African nations in action on Monday. Ivory Coast are eliminated following a 1-3 defeat to South Korea, leaving Les Elephanteaux eliminated after defeats in all three matches. It was a difficult group but still a disappointing result for the West Africans.

To end Monday’s fixtures, Egypt fell 0-3 to England. However, the Young Pharoahs will advance to the knockout stages as one of the best third place teams.

On Tuesday, Uganda will need a victory against France to achieve more history after earning the nation’s first-ever point at a FIFA tournament. Burkina Faso and Mali will look to confirm their places in the knockout stages with Burkina Faso facing Tajikistan while the Malian selection faces Saudi Arabia. In both cases, a draw will achieve the objective.