Zambia began their title defense of the COSAFA U-20 Championships with a narrow 1-0 win over Namibia on Friday.

The Junior Chipolopolo completed the win to head Group B after the opening round of matches in the pool at the COSAFA Qualifiers for TOTAL U-20 AFCON, Mauritania 2021.

A lone goal from Golden Mashata just past the hour-mark was enough for defending champions Zambia to see of Namibia in their first match.

Namibia failed to adequately clear a cross and when the ball fell to Mashata unmarked in the box, his powerful left-footed shot nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

The Young Brave Warriors tried to get back into the game, but failed to create clear-cut chances in the Zambia box.

Also joining them at the top of the group is Malawi who left it late to beat Comoros 1-0 in added time.