Zambia has reached the COSAFA youth championship finals after a hard-fought victory against fellow title contenders Democratic Republic of Congo.

 A 37th minute strike by Zanaco in-form Zanaco striker Fashion Sakala, his fourth of the tournament, put the Beston Chambeshi tutored side ahead.

 DR Congo’s Chadrack Lukombe capitalized on poor defending by Zambia with a volley and equalized for his team three minutes before half time.

The young Chipolopolo sealed victory in the 77th minute after man of the match Boyd Musonda’s cracker from a free kick to set up a date with hosts South Africa who walloped Angola 5-0.

And speaking after the match U-20 head coach Beston Chambeshi said he was happy with the team spirit showed by his lads and assured victory in the final.

“We have a good team that we are building for the Youth championship that Zambia is hosting next year and this is good preparation to gauge the team’s performance. They have applied themselves well and we are certain of a good result in the final,” said Chambeshi.

Meanwhile losing DR Congo’s coach Otis N’goma Kondi said his team put up a good performance but Zambia was the better team on the day and had the ability to conquer Africa if their core was maintained.

Zambia is enjoying perfect performance at the tournament winning all four games, scoring twelve in the process and only conceding two heading into the final with an aim of an eleventh title to cement their dominance in the region.

Zambia will host the Africa Youth Championship early next year and is using the COSAFA championships to prepare for the tournament.