Zambia U-20 Emerge African champions

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Hosts country Zambia have emerged champions of the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after they defeated Senegal 2-0 in the final on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that first half goals from Patson Daka and Edward Chilufya secured Zambia their first ever U-20 AFCON title.

Daka put Zambia ahead in the 15th minute after Senegal goalkeeper failed to hold on to a low cross which spilled from his hands and on to the path of Daka who finished off from close range.

And in the 35th minute, a poor clearance from Senegal keeper came off Chilufya before dropping into the empty net.

It was Zambia’s first appearance in the U-20 AFCON final, while it was back-to-back final defeats for Senegal following their 1-0 loss to the Flying Eagles in the 2015 which they hosted.

Besides being the second Southern African country after Angola (in 2001) to be crowned champions, Zambia’s feat makes them the fourth host to claim the ultimate after Morocco (1997), Ghana (1999) and Congo (2007).

Zambia was the only team in the competition to win all matches and they capped their campaign in grand style with the title in hand.

Watched by a full house at the 50,000-capacity Heroes National Stadium in the capital, Lusaka, including President of the country, Edgar Lungu, the Junior Chipolopolo ensured the fans left the stadium the happiest.

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