Under-20 national team coach Beston Chambeshi is delighted to see Zambia start their 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with a victory.

Zambia downed Portugal 2-1 on Sunday to go top of Group C in their opening game of the tournament in Jeju, South Korea.

Goals from Edward Chilufya and Fashion Sakala handed Zambia the 3 points in their first-ever meeting against Portugal.

“Portugal wasn’t easy. They played a good game, they put up a good fight especially in the first half. Tactically, they wanted to score an early goal but we held them, which was good for the team,” said Chambeshi.

“I am happy with the way the defence played and the goalkeeper too. It wasn’t easy but, yes, our game plan was to hold them in the first half and see how we could handle them in the second half.”

Zambia now face second placed Iran in their penultimate Group C match on May 24 in Jeju, which if they win will see them progress to the last 16.

Iran beat Costa Rica 1-0 in the second Group C match also played in Jeju earlier today.

During the game against Portugal, Edward Chilufya and Fashion Sakala continued from where they left off at the U20 AfCON in March to set to the tone for Zambia.

Chilufya put Zambia ahead in the 51st minute when he pounced on the rebound after Portuguese goalie parried Enock Mwepu’s shot.

Sakala then put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute with a fine volley.

However, Portugal pulled one back in stoppage to through Helder to see the two-time champions end the match with a semblance of respect.