Zambia make U17 World Cup history on debut — Brazil next as Kalimina eyes top spot
Zambia made history at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar after they qualified for the knockout phase with a game to spare following their 5-2 win over Honduras in Doha to cap a historic start to their first-ever finals.
The Junior Chipolopolo, who opened with a 3–1 win over Indonesia, have scored eight goals in two matches and now face Brazil to decide top spot in Group H.
The result sparked jubilant scenes among players and staff and underlined Africa’s growing footprint at the tournament.
Coach Dennis Makinka framed the achievement as a landmark moment for the country — and a springboard to aim higher. “It’s a great feeling for the country,” he said.
“It’s the first time we have been at the World Cup at the U-17 level. We are seeing the great talent these boys have. We’re planning to push even harder to make the people back home happy. We are receiving so many messages! It’s awesome.”
The collective spirit behind Zambia’s charge was visible again when versatile captain Jonathan Kalimina — operating at full-back in the opening two games but comfortable in midfield — was named Player of the Match.
With three assists already, his leadership has set the tone for a team brimming with energy and belief. He set out the ambition clearly, while refusing to be daunted by Brazil next.
“We are very happy,” says Kalimina, who revealed he looks up to Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes.
“We are doing everything as a team, and we are happy to proceed to the next round.
"We are aiming very high to top the group, and the game against Brazil, we will take it as it comes. We are not scared of anything. We want to leave a mark.
“As the captain, there is so much support behind me. I am urging my team-mates to push themselves and we are aiming to go even further in the competition.”
Zambia’s front-foot approach has thrilled African audiences — five against Honduras followed three against Indonesia — but Makinka was quick to flag the need for greater control without the ball before the business end begins.
“We want to go one step at a time. We scored three in the first game, against Honduras we scored five, but we are disappointed because we conceded two goals we are not supposed to allow.
“We still need to work hard on the defensive part. It was a good result, with great goals, but we need to do more, because we face a very tough opponent on Monday.
"It will be a very, very tough game against Brazil. But you have to play against the best for you to be the best. We are aiming to get a good result.”
Both Zambia and Brazil are already through to the Round of 32; the final group fixture will decide who tops Group H and, potentially, who gets a more favourable route in the knockouts.
For a debutant African side playing with pace, personality and purpose, the next target is clear: finish first, keep momentum — and carry the continent’s hopes into the latter stages.