Zambia Defeated Malawi in Under-20 Qualifier
Billy Daka secured a 2-0 victory for Zambia in the opening match of the Group C Cosafa tournament.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Soccer
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Zambia claimed a 2-0 win over Malawi in their Group C opener for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa qualifier. Billy Daka provided both goals in the victory.
Why it matters
The result is a significant boost for Zambia in the early stages of the group stage competition. The match outcome forces Malawi to seek points in their remaining group fixtures to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Zambia secured the victory with a 2-0 scoreline against Malawi. The result establishes Zambia as an early contender in Group C play.
The players
Billy Daka
He is the Zambian player who scored both goals in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa qualifier victory.
Mwisho Mhango
He is the Malawi player whose penalty appeal was denied following a foul in the box late in the match.
The details
Billy Daka broke the deadlock in the 78th minute before adding his second goal during stoppage time. The match also saw controversy when a penalty appeal for Malawi was denied after Mwisho Mhango was challenged in the box in the 89th minute.
Timeline
Billy Daka scored the opening goal in the 78th minute.
A penalty appeal for Malawi was denied in the 89th minute.
Billy Daka scored the second goal during stoppage time.
The Big Picture
This match follows the established regulations of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament structure. The result functions as a critical opening step within the broader qualifying framework for the continental championship.
Zambia earns three points to lead their group table early. Malawi must now navigate their remaining Group C matches without a point to remain in contention for the next round.
The takeaway
Zambia has secured an early advantage in Group C after a clinical offensive performance in the final minutes. The denied penalty appeal for Malawi serves as a reminder of how high-stakes officiating can pivot the direction of tournament standings.
Further reading
For more on international tournaments, visit the Soccer section.
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