Young Warriors walloped at home as Zambia nets 3

Zimbabwe 1 - 3 Zambia
 
Young Warriors were yesterday walloped 1-3 by a rampaging Zambian team, putting up a classic finish to the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
 
Patrick Ngoma, the tournament's top goal scorer, ran riot in the Zimbabwe box to open the scoreline with a low but hard header in the 52nd minute.

The stocky and undoubtedly Zambia's lethal goal-getter, was stationed well to receive a curler cross from winger Chrispin Sakulanda and nodded in the opener, much to the surprise of hapless Zimbabwean goalminder Kelvin Shangiwa.

Led by the tireless Ngoma, Zambia swept away Zimbabwe through a flurry of attempts at goal, chances, and exhilarating tidal waves in attack.

Six minutes later, Zambia's quick and slick passing unlocked Zimbabwe once more, with Ngoma cleverly lifting the ball through to Solomon Sakala. Sidney Phiri on the left flank had to continue with the buildup and set up Charles Shezongo to give Harrison Musonda, who accepted the invitation, failing to put up a finishing strike beating an off position Shangiwa.

Again, Ngoma slipped the ball to Lupiya who took it in his stride and pushed wide and somehow stayed on his feet, to then wrap his foot around and clip it back across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

The Young Chipolopolo piled on the misery in the last quarter when they scored the third goal through a penalty.

Ngoma finished the tournament having netted a record seven goals.

Zimbabwe's Leslie Lunga seemed to have brought down Kasashi Lupiya inside the box and Seychelles referee Keren Yocette did not hesitate to send him for an early shower.

Sakala stepped up and netted in the goal that put a lid on Young Warriors' dream of garnering gold on home soil. The shot was exquisite as he stabbed at the ball with the outside of his left boot to beat Shangiwa.

The home crowd was silenced.

Whenever the fans attempted to revive the browbeaten Young Warriors, the Zambians regained possession quickly and for long periods. It could have been a long afternoon for the home team and their supporters, given the Young Chipolopolo's prowess on the field.