Zambia Under-20 coach Perry Mutapa says his side are fully prepared for a high-stakes semi-final against defending champions South Africa, with a place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations on the line.
The Junior Chipolopolo face Amajita in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier, with victory securing a place in the final and qualification for next year’s continental tournament in Ghana.
Mutapa said his technical bench had used the build-up to analyse South Africa and identify areas Zambia can exploit.
“The preparations just went on well and we are prepared for the match against South Africa. A game with no second chance, so it is a game you prepare to win,” Mutapa said.
“We have done everything possible to see the weaknesses of South Africa and use our strengths, and we are geared for the match.”
The coach confirmed that defender Bridger Ng’andu remains Zambia’s only injury concern, with the rest of the squad available for selection.
“On injury concerns, it’s just the same Bridger Ng’andu who has been out since the first game. Otherwise, everyone is available for selection,” he said.
Mutapa could also face a selection dilemma after several players impressed in Zambia’s final Group C match, a 3-1 victory over Botswana.
The result completed a perfect group-stage campaign for the Junior Chipolopolo, who had earlier defeated Malawi 2-0 and Comoros 3-0.
Striker Abel Nyirongo insists South Africa’s status as defending COSAFA champions will count for little when the two sides meet.
“There is nothing to be scared of. It is a game of football. South Africa winning the COSAFA and the AFCON is all in the past now and tomorrow presents another chapter and we are very ready,” Nyirongo said.
“We are not scared of anything.”
Defender Samson Ngoma echoed that confidence, while stressing that Zambia remain respectful of their opponents.
“Even though South Africa is a good team, we respect them as a team, but together with my teammates and looking at the instructions the coach has taught us, I believe we can beat South Africa,” Ngoma said.
Zambia have been one of the most impressive sides in the tournament so far, scoring eight goals and conceding just once across their three group matches.
They will now face their toughest test yet against a South African side seeking to defend its regional title.
With qualification for the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations at stake, there is little room for error in what promises to be a decisive semi-final.
