The Zambia U20 Men’s National Team stepped up their preparations for the 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana in an international friendly played on Monday evening at the Tolip Garden Sports Complex in Egypt.

Goals from Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda sealed the win for the Junior Chipolopolo in a high-intensity match that gave coach Boyd Mulwanda valuable insights ahead of the tournament kick-off this weekend.

Zambia opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Phiri, who weaved his way past a cluster of defenders before firing a low-driven shot past Ghanaian goalkeeper Gideon Manesah to give his side a deserved lead.

Ghana responded in the second half through Aziz Yeti Mizbawu, who leveled the score in the 54th minute with a powerful finish from close range that left goalkeeper Levison Banda with no chance.

Despite the equalizer, Mulwanda’s charges remained composed and continued to push for a winner, which came in stoppage time through Simukonda, who calmly slotted home to secure the victory. Both teams used the match as a final tune-up ahead of the continental showpiece, which kicks off on Saturday.

Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and regional rivals South Africa. The Junior Chipolopolo will open their campaign on April 27 against Sierra Leone.