07/11/2025
ZAMBIA OUTCLASS HONDURAS TO REACH
U17 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT STAGE
The Zambia Under-17 national team delivered a commanding performance to defeat Honduras 5โ2 in their second Group H fixture at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, sealing qualification to the knockout stage with a game to spare.
The young Chipolopolo started brightly, showing confidence and control from the opening whistle.
Kelvin Chipelu opened the scoring in the 5th minute after a clever exchange with Jonathan Kalimina, before Felix Phiri doubled the advantage nine minutes later.
Zambiaโs dominance continued as James Sibeene made it 3โ0 before halftime, capping off an impressive attacking display.
Honduras reduced the deficit through Yeison Arriola, making it 3โ1 at the break.
In the second half, the Central Americans briefly threatened a comeback when David Ramirez struck in the 54th minute, but Zambia quickly restored control.
Substitute Billy Daka netted Zambiaโs fourth in the 74th minute before Abel Nyirongo sealed victory with a late strike to make it 5โ2.
The statistics reflected Zambiaโs authority , high ball possession, superior shot count, and clear attacking intent throughout the 90 minutes.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Dennis Makinka praised his sideโs maturity and determination.
โItโs a great feeling. We knew this game would be difficult because Honduras were coming from a loss, and such teams usually fight very hard,โ he said.
โWinning our first two matches at a World Cup is massive for the country and for the boys. The intensity dropped slightly in parts of the game, but overall, Iโm proud of their focus and teamwork.โ
Looking ahead to the final group match against Brazil, Makinka said his team would stay grounded but ambitious.
โBrazil will be a tough opponent, but weโll prepare well and aim for another good result. Finishing top of the group gives us a better route in the knockout stage, so weโll give everything in that game,โ he added.
Man of the Match Jonatha