Rising Stars Destroy Zambia in COSAFA Opener The Zambian U20s, known as the Rising Stars, kicked off their COSAFA U20 Championship campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Zambia on Tuesday. Zambia dominated the match from the start, peppering the Zambian goal. The deadlock was broken in the 16th minute when Berlin Mumba found the back of the net with a thunderous strike from outside the box. The Rising Stars continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with a second goal just before half-time. Lubambo Musonda rose highest to meet a corner kick and expertly headed it home. Zambia came out more determined in the second half, but the Rising Stars’ defense held firm. The young Zambians sealed the victory in the 82nd minute when Ernest Mbewe finished off a swift counter-attack. The Rising Stars’ performance was a testament to their hard work and preparation under coach Oswald Mutapa. They showed excellent technical ability, passing range, and a clinical edge in front of goal. “The boys played exceptionally well today,” said Mutapa. “We stuck to our game plan and executed it perfectly. I’m very proud of their efforts.” Zambia captain Emmanuel Banda was disappointed with the result but praised the Rising Stars’ performance. “They were the better team today,” said Banda. “They were quick, skillful, and deserved the win.” The victory gives Zambia a huge boost ahead of their next match against Botswana on Thursday. A win in that match would virtually guarantee them a place in the semifinals. Zambia, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this disappointing start. They will face Lesotho in their next match on Friday.Rising Stars Triumph over Zambia in COSAFA Cup OpenerRising Stars Triumph over Zambia in COSAFA Cup Opener Kenya’s U-23 team, Emerging Stars, made a resounding debut at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, defeating defending champions Zambia 2-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. In the eighth minute, Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo converted a penalty earned by Patrick Otieno, giving Emerging Stars the early lead. Just ten minutes later, Posta Rangers striker Otieno doubled the advantage, leaving Zambia with an uphill task. Despite Zambia’s efforts, Kenya maintained their dominance throughout the first half, holding a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. In the second half, Kenya’s defense remained solid, thwarting Zambia’s attempts at a comeback. The victory placed Kenya at the top of Group B on goal difference, as Zimbabwe defeated Comoros 1-0 in the other match. Emerging Stars head coach Ken Odhiambo praised the team’s performance against Zambia. “We knew we had to score goals early and take advantage of the fact that Zambia was not an easy team. We have to continue working hard, and in the next match we will face a different team,” he said. Kenya faces Comoros at Wolfson Stadium on June 30, followed by Zimbabwe on July 2, in their remaining group matches.Zambia’s COSAFA Cup hopes got off to a dismal start as they were thrashed 5-1 by rising stars Madagascar in their opening match of the tournament in Durban on Sunday. The Zambians were outplayed by a Madagascar side that was full of energy and verve, and they found themselves 3-0 down at halftime. Madagascar continued to dominate in the second half and added two more goals to their tally, while Zambia could only pull one back through substitute Evans Musonda. The result was a disappointing start to the tournament for Zambia, who are one of the favorites to win the title. They will need to improve significantly if they want to progress to the knockout rounds. For Madagascar, the victory was a welcome boost after they failed to qualify for the African Nations Championship earlier this year. They will be hoping to continue their good form when they face Malawi in their next match on Tuesday. The other match in Group B saw Malawi and Mozambique play out a goalless draw.