Head coach Charles Haluboono was left to rue a series of mistakes in Lusaka as his Zambia U20 women's side bowed 2-0 to South Africa on Saturday.
The Zambians were smarting from an impressive outing at 2019 Cosafa U20 Women's Cup in South Africa, where they finished as runners-up behind champions Tanzania in Port Elizabeth.
The Shepolopolo were seeking a fine start in the African U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers but were condemned by first-half strikes from Chelsea Daniels and Thubelihle Shamase.
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The hosts failed to bounce back in the second half despite spite the concerted efforts made at Nkoloma Stadium and the coach attributed their loss to his side's lack of experience and the poor pitch.