Zambia First and Only African Nation So Far with a Win at the U-20 World Cup

Zambia’s U-20 World Cup opener got off to a fantastic start after producing a stunning performance to beat the two-time former champion, Portugal 2-1 in Jeju, South Korea.

The Junior Chipolopolo scored two stunning goals and rendered a frustrated Portugal pointless with goals from Edward Chilufya in the 51st minute, followed by a 76th-minute conversion from Fashion Sakala.

Portugal only managed a late consolation goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Zambia – African champions on home soil earlier this year – is now top of Group C after Iran only managed a 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

But it wasn’t all sunshine for the other African teams participating in the 21st edition of the tournament. South Africa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the opening match of its Group D World Cup bid.

Grant Margeman opened the lead in the 7th minute but failure to capitalize on several chances, saw South Africa suffer for their lack of goal sight after Japan came from a goal down and eventually win the game.

Japan equalized just after the break followed by a massive winner in the 72nd minute and now leads Group D after Uruguay won by only 1-0 against Italy.

On Saturday, the opening game between Guinea and hosts South Korea was one-sided with the latter winning 3-0.

The young Syli National who is making its second appearance at the tournament having last competed at the U-20 World Cup in 1979, was outclassed by South Korea’s masterminded attack on goal, rendering the African side helpless to finish with zero points and a big goal deficit.

Senegal, the fourth African nation at the tournament will kick off its Group F campaign against Saudi Arabia in Incheon later today.

Featured photo: Getty Images