Another chance for Chisi Mbewe to fine tune his team as they face South Sudan

The Zambia U-20 National team will this evening take on South Sudan in their third pre-AFCON international friendly match. 

Chisi Mbewe’s lads suffered a 4-2 loss to seven time African Champions, Nigeria before succumbing to a 1-0 loss to Senegal. 

In the first match, Mbewe used a team similar to what could be his first line up for the tournament with Derrick Bulaya leading the attack alongside Rickson Ng’ambi and Moses Mulenga . 

It will be interesting to see how the Red Arrows gaffer will line up his players today. 

In goal, Jeban Tembo is the undisputed first choice but Eric Makungu and Levison Banda will be looking to put up a good show as they look to fight for the starting slot. 

At the heart of defense Happy Nsiku, Onesimas Chipango, and Gift Mphande will fight for the two available slots. 

Nsiku and Mphande were the preferred choice at COSAFA but Chipango has been pushing hard in training and had a good showing in the loss against Senegal. 

Luckson Tembo, Amon Chulu, Lombe Mutale and Mathews Banda are the options available for Chisi in the left back and right back positions. 

In Midfield skipper Dominic Kanda is expected to start with Julius Kumwenda, Ian Sindaye, Lasmond Phiri and Charles Majapa Mumba all available for selection. 

On the wings, Chisi is spoilt for choice with Joseph Banda, Chipyoka Songa, Emmanuel Mukosha, Rickson Ng’ambi, Moses Mulenga all able to do the job. 

Upfront, Bulaya and Kings Mutandwa are the favorites to start. 

Zambia jetted in Egypt on Friday morning as part of their plan for the team to acclimatize to the cooler temperatures in the Mediterranean region after a West African tour.

Both teams are using the practice match to fine tune ahead of the TotalEnergies AFCON U20 Egypt 2023 that kicks off on Sunday.

On Thursday Zambia plays Uganda in another test match to conclude their preparations for the Tournament.

Zambia will then head to Alexandria where they will be based for the tournament.

Tonight’s match will kick off at 19:00 hours (CAT) to give the squad a competitive feel of a floodlit atmosphere.

At the tournament Zambia will open its account on February 21 against Benin before facing The Gambia three days later.

The final group match is against Tunisia on February 27 at Cairo International Stadium.

Top two teams will qualify to the quarterfinals while the semi finalists at the tournament will earn the right to represent Africa at the FIFA World Cup in Indonesia.