By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Zambia under 23 teams on 29th October 2022 knocked out Sierra Leone U-23 teams in Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations in Hero’s Stadium in Zambia.
Sierra Leone went into the match after a (1-1) all-draw in the first leg at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia and in the return leg, they only need to get a one zero to qualify for the final rounds of the qualifiers.
The match started with a pace play from Visitors Sierra Leone looking to get the opener in the first 20 minutes, but the host was well-composed at the back four and did all it takes to stop Sierra Leone not to take the lead in the first half and the host makes three attacking threats that could have caused more trouble in the first half but they hold on till the second half.
After recess, both teams went into the pitch looking to get the goal in the match, but the Young Chipolopolo of Zambia get the only goal of the match in the 65 minutes of play, and that goal held Zambia to progressed to the final round following a (2-1) aggregate win over their counterparts.
Zambia sides will now meet either Eswatini or Egypt in the final rounds of the qualifiers and a winner of the home and away tie will now qualify for the under-23 tournament in Morocco. The two top two countries will represent Africa in the next 2024 Olympic Games in France.
