Zambia’s Chipolopolo and tournament underdogs Lesotho are through to the semifinals of the 2017 competition.

Zambia enjoyed a straightforward 2-1 win over Botswana, while Lesotho went through a trickier quarter-final, defeating Namibia 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after the match had finished in a goalless draw.

In the first match Zambia took a 10th minutes lead at Bofakeng Sports Palace through Brian Mwila who stroked the ball home after Botswana defenders failed to clear the ball.

The Chipolopolo side made of youngsters doubled their advantage with a surprise Justin Shonga goal. The striker’s shot from a tight agle and it dipped behind Botswana keeper into the net.

Botswana snatched a consolation goal late in second half from Kabole Seakanyeng whose low, close-range shot flew into the net after good work from midfield star Thabang Seseny.

Lesotho’s path to the semi-finals was a more tense affair.The Likuenas had two first half chances going into waste in the hands of Bokang Sello who fired his free kick into the wall and Hlompho Klake miss from a through pass.

Namibia responded with a series of attacks and nearly scored with Itamunua Keimunie being the victim as he missed a clear chance with goalkeeper to beat.

The deadlock could not be broken and the match went to a penalty shoot-out with The Dikwenas converting all five penalty kicks with Namibia’s Ananias Gbhardt missing one after it was saved by Lesotho goalkeepe Likano Mputhi

Semifinals will be held on Wednesday at Moruleng Stadium, Zambia meet either South Africa or Tanzania and Lesotho are up agnist either Swaziland or Zimbabwe.