Brave Tigers claim Mopani Copper Mines Legacy Under-17 Mini-Tournament!

Brave Tigers defeated Scaw Rangers 2-1 at Arthur Davies Stadium training pitch in Kitwe, Zambia on Thursday to win the Mopani Copper Mines Legacy Under-17 Mini-Tournament run in conjunction with the COSAFA Under-20 Championships.

James Sikweza and David Nkonda scored in each half of the final to hand Tigers the championship, while Beselene Mbewe netted the consolation for Rangers.

Sikweza scored from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after being fouled by a Rangers’ defender. But Mbewe equalised for Rangers in the 49th minute after connecting a delightful cross from the right-wing.

However, Nkonda had other ideas as he skipped the challenges of three Rangers defenders before placing the ball to the right bottom corner to restore Tigers’ lead with a minute to full-time.

Rangers, who ousted Nkana from the semi-final, pressed for an equaliser but Tigers held their nerves to win the cup.

The Under-17 tournament was being held simultaneously with the Mopani Copper Mines Cosafa Under-20 Championship which is underway in Kitwe.

Tigers players celebrated after the final whistle before they received the trophy from COSAFA officials including General Secretary Sue Destombes.

Each team received a kit and balls. Eight teams took part in the tournament after being split into two groups.

By Peter Kanjere