The Zambia Under-20 team has beaten two-times world champions Portugal by two goal to one.

This was after a grueling, but goalless first half which saw the Europeans coming close to scoring on numerous occasions.

Zambia, the defending African champions scored the first through Edward Chilufya from a rebound after Enock Mwepu’s shot was saved in the 51st minute.

Fashion Sakala placed second goal for Zambia in the 75th minute.

Portugal pulled one back at the stroke of the 90th minute.

The opening Group C clash at at the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup which is being hosted by South Korea kicked off at 06:45 Zambian time.

Emmanuel Banda struck with his left from outside the box in the 71 minute two double the Chipolopolo lead, but the Portuguese goalie parlied it for a corner.

Earlier in the first half, Portuguese forward Ribeiro had his close range shot blocked in the penalty box.

Ribeiro fired another one over the bar, as Zambia desperately defended leaving Patson Daka injured and consequently substituted with a bleeding mouth.

It was in the 44th minute when Zambia survived a clear Portuguese chance to score.

Zambia had two shots on target but none troubled the Portuguese goalkeeper.