Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu has urged the Men’s Under 20 National football team to ensure that they secure a ticket to the World Cup by winning the Africa Cup of Nations title.
Nkandu says with the country now accustomed to qualifying to the world after the Copper Queens secured a slot last year it is important that all teams follow suit.
He says Government will play its part in ensuring the team has adequate support as they prepare for the tournament that kicks off in Egypt this month.
And Nkandu told ZNBC News that with all eyes on the team to replicate the 2017 U20 AFCON winning side the players must give their best performance.
Zambia will then move to Dakar, Senegal where they will engage the junior Teranga Lions on February 7.
After the West African assignment, the junior Chipolopolo will head to Egypt where they will set up base before the commencement of the tournament on February 19.
Zambia’s base will be in Group C which will be based in Alexandria.
Group C has Tunisia, Benin and Gambia.
Top four teams at the AFCON will qualify to the FIFA World Cup that will be held in Indonesia from May 20 to June 11.
FULL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS– Jeban Tembo (Red Arrows), Levison Banda (Zesco United), Eric Makungu (Shamuel)
DEFENDERS – Lombe Mutale (Power Dynamos), Mathews Banda (Kafue Celtic), Amon Chulu (Nkana), Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Onesmas Chipango, Luckson Tembo (both Shanuel), Gift Mphande (Athletico)
MIDFIELDERS – Dominic Kanda (Shamuel), Charles Mumba, Julius Kumwenda (Atletico), Moses Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Ian Sindaye (Roan United), Songa Chipyoka (Zesco United), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Red Arrows), Lasmond Phiri (Blaze Academy)
STRIKERS -Emmanuel Mukosha, Derrick Bulaya (both Green Eagles), Rickson Ng’ambi (MUZA), Kingston Mutandwa (Athletico), Henry Mbuti (City of Lusaka)
