2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup: Zambia off to a flying start

Two second half goals from Edward Chilufya and Fashion Sakala gave Zambia a bright start to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017 in Korea on Sunday as the African champions beat Portugal 2-1 in their opening Group C match.

Having won all their five matches in the African championship, lots were expected from the Young Chipolopolo’s but great defending from the Portuguese ensured the score got locked at 0-0 in the first half.

Zambia increased the accelerator from the recess and broke the deadlock just six minutes into the second half through Spartak Moscow forward Edward Chilufya.

Enock Mwepu saw his close range shot parried by Portugal’s goalie Diogo Costa but his save fell into the path of Chilufya who was lurking in the box to score the opening goal.

With a goal down, Portugal began to press Zambia high up the field, creating some good goal scoring opportunities but Andre Ribeiro and Xadas could not make the opportunities count.

Fashion Sakala extended the lead for the African champions in the 76^th minute when he broke from the left, shimmying past two defenders before firing the ball past Diogo Costa to give Zambia a comfortable lead.

Substitute, Helder pulled one back for Portugal in time added on with a blistering shot, but it was too little too late to salvage a point for Portugal.

Below are the line-ups:
Zambia: Banda, Nyondo, Chiluya, S. Sakala, Luchanga, F. Sakala, Muepu, Mayembe, Chilufya, Daka, Musonda.

Portugal: Costa, Ruben Diaz, Yuri Ribeiro, D. Goncalves, A. Ribeiro, Xadas, F. Jorge, F. Luis, Diogo Dalot, Ze Gomez, Gedson.

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