The Zambia U-17 National Team were on Tuesday involved in an All Stars vs the Rest affair as part of their preparations for the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Coach Ian Bakala’s side played to a 1-1 draw with the coach Aaron Kawangu tutored side that was assembled by experts from all the ten Provinces.
Aaron Simpasa put the All Stars in the lead in the first half while Wallack Mwale scored off a Josim ‘Messi’ Sikazwe assist for the Rest squad.
The ZamFoot Crew were on hand to follow proceedings and now look at the players to look out for ahead of the tournament.
AARON MBEMBA PHIRI – KAFUE CELTIC
The defensive midfielder has continued to grow from strength to strength. The youngster is calm and collected, which he showed on Tuesday.
He is a player who can play multiple positions.
In the first half of the season, he featured mainly as centre back at Atletico before his switch to Celtic.
At the U-17 National Team, Head coach Ian Bakala deploys him in the holding midfielder role which he executed well at the Cosafa U17 tourney in Malawi.
Mbemba is expected to captain Zambia Under-17 in Algeria at the CAF U17 African Cup of Nations.
EMMANUEL MWANZA – KAFUE CELTIC
The striker showed flashes of his pace, trickery and eagerness to drive into the box.
He gave the left back for the Rest squad a difficult time on the wing with his pace.
He is also a clinical finisher having finished the TotalEnergies U17 AFCON Algeria 2023 | COSAFA Qualifier as Zambia’s top goal scorer with five goals all scored in the 7-1 demolition of Seychelles.
Just the other weekend, Mwanza led Kafue Celtic to a 2-1 win over Indeni.
The brace and a fantastic individual display from the young man earned him the match of the day accolade.
LINEKER MBESUMA – JOMO COSMOS, RSA Â
The young striker looked sharp and intelligent upfront playing for the Rest squad.
Lineker, Son of Zambian legend Collins Mbesuma seems eager to follow his father’s footsteps by representing Zambia,be it at junior level stage.
He linked up well with his teammates, made good movements and his passes were also good.
The 16-year-old started playing at the SuperSport Soccer School at an early age; then he moved to Bidvest Wits. From there, he went to TS Galaxy, and he is now with Jomo Cosmos.
MARCEL ZIMBA – ATLETICO LUSAKA
The lanky forward was again a bright spark for the Junior Chipolopolo.
He showed his class wherever he was in possession of the ball. He bullied the defenders using his body well to protect the ball.
The youngster helped Zambia secure gold at the COSAFA Championship with 3 goals to his name alongside Lutetekelo Kapowa.
Zimba is expected to make the final squad should he not pick up any serious injury with all things being equal.
SEKANJI SIAME – SPORTING LUSAKA
The centre back showed just how important he is to the Junior Chipolopolo.Â
He stood tall at the heart of defence and made sure the goalkeeper was well protected.
Sekanji is a modern day defender, very comfortable on the ball and can build from the back which Bakala seems to be emphasising with his side. Â
He is currently on loan at Konkola Blades.
Others to watch: Friedrick Ngululu, Joseph Liteta (Both Atletico Lusaka), Kelvin Mulenga (Sporting Lusaka)
The junior Chipolopolo will be based in Constantine and will compete with Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa in the group of death.
The tournament will run from 29 April to 19 May 2023.
The top four sides in the competition will qualify for the 2023 Under-17 World Cup which will be staged in Peru from Nov. 10-Dec. 2.
most of these players are Lusaka based . A very big question mark on selection
Yes ! Is football only in Lusaka