ZAMBIA’S under-20 national soccer team is in a do die fixture today when they face off with Tunisia in a Group C fixture of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
After struggling with a 1-1 stalemate against Benin in the first fixture and a 2-0 defeat by Gambia, Zambia are desperate for a win to progress to the knock out stage of the youth AFCON.
The make or break fixture scheduled for the Cairo International Stadium presents the junior Chipolopolo the opportunity to recover from the disappointing defeat to The Gambia.
Tunisia and Zambia are on par with one point each while Benin has two points with the already qualified The Gambia dominating the group with six points from wins over Zambia and Tunisia.
“We know it is not going to be an easy game but we are prepared and the boys are looking forward to this game. They know that if we lose we go back home and if we win we progress to the next round,” Under-20 national team coach Chisi Mbewe said.
And goal keeper Jeban Tembo said the team was geared and ready to collect their first win which is crucial to make the next round.
After the shambolic display against Gambia in the previous fixture, Mbewe will hope that his charges will rise to the occasion to avoid being eliminated from the tournament without a victory.
Meanwhile, Zambia under-23 men’s national team coach Oswald Mutapa has unveiled a 30-man provisional squad that will face Egypt in next month’s final 2023 U-23 AFCON qualifier matches.
Zambia who qualified to the last round after beating Sierra Leone 2-1 on aggregate will play Egypt in the first leg of the decider on March 20 before hosting the North Africans in the return fixture scheduled for March 26.
Mutapa, who doubles as Nkwazi FC head coach has summoned Chibombo United striker Kelvin Mubanga in the squad consisting of players from the National Division one league and the FAZ Super League.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS – Francis Mwansa (Trident), Jairos Tembo (FC Muza), Mukuka Chilufya (Aguila Stars), Patrick Chooma (Prison Leopards)
DEFENDERS – John Chishimba (Zesco United), Emmanuel Bwalya Chembe, Andrew Phiri, Mathews Chabala (all Nchanga Rangers), Nexala Mvula, Martin Zulu (both Chambishi), Ronald Chanda Chileshe (FC Muza), William Kamanga (Lumwana Radiants), Christopher Katongo (Kansanshi Dynamos), Sharpi Chikondi Njobvu (Green Eagles), Brian Musema (Jumulo)
MIDFIELDERS – Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Martin Zulu (Chambishi), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos), Golden Mashata, John Kosamu (both Green Buffaloes), Peter Phiri (Morning Stars), Wilson Chisala, Dalitso Phiri (both Zanaco), Mwiya Mwiya (FC Muza)
STRIKERS – Andrew Phiri (FC Muza), Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars), Enock Sakala Jr (Zesco United), Ricky Banda (Red Arrows), Jonathan Munalula (Forest Rangers), Kelvin Mubanga (Chibombo United).
