Zambia’s hopes of becoming the second African nation to win the Under-20 World Cup after Ghana are over after a thriller 3-2 defeat to Italy on Monday.
The young Chipolopolo took the lead on two occasions but the European champions leveled up on two occasions before taking the match into extra time.
Zambia who happens to be the best attacking side in the tournament so far will have themselves to blame, after failing to take full advantage of playing against 10 men young Azzuris following the sending-off of Giuseppe Pezzella just before half time.
The Zambians paid dearly for giving the Italian play-maker the freedom of the Zambian penalty area in the second period of extra-time which resulted to the winning goal which knocked the African champions out.
Italy are not just through to the semifinal, but they are to meet England in the semifinal who edged out Mexico by 1-0 in the quarter-final stage.
Discussion about this post