A youthful Chipolopolo side delivered a brave, high-energy display but suffered a cruel defeat after a late own goal gifted Zimbabwe victory in the final of the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown,
Zambia stood toe to toe with a more seasoned Zimbabwe team in a tightly contested and tactical battle. Despite their relative lack of experience, the boys showed discipline, intensity, and composure throughout.
Assistant coach Osward Mutapa entrusted a fresh-faced starting eleven, with Luka Mainza in goal and Abraham Siankombo wearing the captain’s armband. Zambia started brightly looking the more purposeful side and controlling key spells of the game.
The Copper Bullets did well to contain Zimbabwe’s influential midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, often seen as the heartbeat of the Warriors’ play. Zambia nearly made their early pressure count in the 11th minute when Siankombo connected with a delivery from Abel Nyirongo, but his close-range header was comfortably saved by Elvis Chipezeze.
Soon after, Nyirongo had a clear chance to put Zambia ahead after being picked out by his captain but hesitated at the crucial moment and failed to convert.
Midway through the first half, Luka Mutoshi came close with a powerful long-range strike that he narrowly missed, with the goalkeeper beaten. Zimbabwe’s first real opening came in the 29th minute after a defensive mistake from Saisada Kafuti allowed Godknows Murwira through, but Mainza reacted quickly to shut down the danger.
The Warriors thought they had taken the lead ten minutes before the break when Bill Antonio scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside leaving the teams level at halftime. After the break, the contest remained evenly matched, though Zimbabwe began to show more attacking intent.
Emmanuel Jalai tested Mainza early in the second half, but the young goalkeeper produced an excellent save. Mainza continued to impress, later denying a low effort bound for the corner as Zambia held firm.
Mutapa turned to his bench and introduced Derrick Bulaya and Headson Paina, before adding Golden Mashata and Francis Banda as the Chipolopolo searched for a breakthrough.
Despite their strong showing and relentless effort led by a standout display from Eliya Mandanji, who kept the Zimbabwe defence under constant pressure the match ended in heartbreak.
Deep into stoppage time, Kafuti who was under pressure, accidentally turned the ball into his own net, handing Zimbabwe a late winner and denying Zambia’s young side a deserved result.
In the end, Chipolopolo finished runners-up of the 2026 Mukuru Four Nations
