Zambia's Under-17 football team made history in 2025 when it reached the knockout stage of its first FIFA U17 World Cup. Known as Junior Chipolopolo, the team represents Zambia in African youth competitions and international tournaments for players under seventeen. The Football Association of Zambia oversees the national side, which has enjoyed considerable success in Southern African football.
Zambia has won four COSAFA Under-17 Championships, with titles in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024. The team also finished second in 2020 and 2021, which gave it five consecutive appearances in regional finals. Its 2024 triumph came against Angola, with young striker Abel Nyirongo among the tournament's most impressive performers. Nyirongo scored seven goals during that competition, including a hat-trick against Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament.
The 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations provided another breakthrough for the Junior Chipolopolo in Morocco. Zambia reached the quarter-finals after a dramatic victory over Uganda in its final group match. Kelvin Chipelu opened the scoring before Billy Daka struck late to secure qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup. It was the country's first appearance in the quarter-finals of the continental championship at this age level.
At the World Cup in Qatar, Zambia defeated Indonesia and Honduras before earning a draw against Brazil. Those results secured an unbeaten group campaign and a place in the Round of 32. Mali eventually eliminated the team, but its first appearance at the competition produced several memorable performances.
The team has also helped young players gain international attention, with former graduates such as Patson Daka reaching European football. Its regional titles and World Cup qualification remain important achievements in Zambia's youth football history.
For major youth tournaments, the best sports betting platforms in Zambia can be checked for match odds and goal markets. First-time bettors may also assess new-customer promotions before selecting a bookmaker for international football.
Scores24 provides all the essential information about the team: results of past matches, upcoming match schedule, key statistics, player details, and much more.
Statistics for the last 10 matches
In the last 10 official matches, the team has won 4, drawn 2, and lost 4.
During this time, the team has scored 19. On average, the team scores 1.9 (at home – 1.86), with an average of 2.1 goals conceded.
Statistics in the U17 World Cup Tournament
In the U17 World Cup tournament, the team scored 10 goals and conceded 7. On average, the Zambia U17 team scores 2.5 goals per match and concedes 1.75, with an overall average total of goals being 4.25. In home matches, the average number of goals scored is 0, and goals conceded is 0. Away, the team scores an average of 0 goals per match and concedes 0.