Zambia headed into the final of the 2011 COSAFA Under-20 Championship seeking a hat-trick of regional titles after success in the competition in the previous two years.
Angola were playing in their fourth final, but had yet to lift the trophy in what was becoming a frustrating wait for the country for the prestigious honour.
But despite taking a lead in the decider, it would be a wait that wasprolonged as Zambia roared back to clinch the win.
But that does not tell the tale of the drama that unfolded in what was a nerve-wracking final that had all the hallmarks of a cup classic.
Angola were the better side and deservedly took the lead just past the half-hour mark when Paciencia Cristovao, also known as Mabululu, headed home.
Mabululu has since become a leading player for Angolan side InterClube and has played for the senior natonal team, including in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
That was the way things stayed until the break, but a burst from Zambia coach, the late Keagan Mumba, would spark his team into life.
After Ronald Kampamba had gone close, on-fire Zambia forward Evans Kangwa equalised on 66 minutes for his seventh goal of the championships.
Kanga has seen his career blossom since then, representing the senior national side and now playing in the Turkish league with Gaziantepspor. He also spent two seasons in Israel with Hapoel Ra’anana.
Angola pressed for a winner with Adriano denied late on, but just as it seemed the match would head to a penalty shoot-out, Kampamba popped up with the winner as he netted a beauty.
The youngster showed great composure to lob Angolan keeper Francisco Lirio in the first minute of injury-time to seal the hat-trick of titles for the side.
Not surprisingly, the gifted Kampamba develoed much further in his career, playing for Chipolopolo and is now with playing in Belgium at Lierse and in Egypt with Wadi Degla.
He is now back with original club Nkana in Zambia, but such has been his excellent form that he has recently received a recall to the senior national side.
This year’s COSAFA Under-20 Championship, sponsored by PPC, will be played in South Africa’s North West province from December 7-16, where more gems are set to be unearthed for the regional game.
Angola are still seeking that first title and have been pooled with Namibia, Seychelles and Mauritius in Group C, while Zambia are in Group B alongside rivals Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Only the top teams in each pool advance to the semifinals.
