Harare — CHAPUNGU United striker Patrick Kaunda struck a sensational hat-trick to propel Zimbabwe to a 3-1 victory over Lesotho at the ongoing Metropolitan Cosafa Under-20 Youth Championships in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The teenage forward, who had been given the role of chief striker at the Airforce of Zimbabwe team in Division One in the absence of seasoned forwards Cuthbert Malajila and Phillip Marufu, was easily the hero for Methembe Ndlovu's side.

On a hot and steamy afternoon, Ramabele Lehlomela contributed Lesotho's lone goal before a packed crowd at the Eldorado Park Stadium.

Zimbabwe, who drew 2-2 with a vastly improved Botswana in the opening game, almost allowed Lesotho to steal the show.

On Sunday, Zimbabwe had got off their campaign to a blistering start taking the lead in the first quarter of the game before they allowed Botswana to force their way and grab a share of the spoils.

The result left the Young Warriors needing nothing short of victory against Lesotho to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals.

And Ndlovu's teenagers responded by giving a workman-like performance against Lesotho.

But more importantly Kaunda's goals gave Zimbabwe a place at the top of the Group C standings.

The Young Warriors will be hoping that Botswana, who face Lesotho in the final group game tomorrow either draw, lose or win by a margin that is not bigger than 3-1. Botswana are the only team with a realistic chance of piping the Young Warriors for top spot.

The Young Warriors coach is keeping his fingers crossed that his charges will storm into the semi-finals.

According to reports from South Africa, Ndlovu, however, is still expecting a more polished show from the team.

"It was a better performance from the team but I'm still a long way from being satisfied," he said.

Ndlovu said he travelled with a squad that had no previous international exposure.

"However, you must remember that we only have one player remaining from last year so it's virtually a totally new squad and they will need time to gel.

"They showed some promising form at times but a there's a lot of work still to be done," Ndlovu said.

Lesotho coach Makhetha Notse was frustrated at his team's lapses in concentration, in the game against Zimbabwe's young Warriors.

Notse blasted his charges for a complacent attitude before the game.

"We made three defensive mistakes and conceded three goals. The boys were too confident going into the match, and against a side of the calibre of Zimbabwe you are going to be punished for losing concentration.

"That's exactly what happened.

"We played well in patches," Notse said.