Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has urged the Chipolopolo boys to approach their upcoming international friendly against Argentina national football team with confidence and composure, emphasizing performance over pressure.
Speaking after Monday’s training session in Lusaka, Mweemba dismissed any notion that defeat to the South American giants would be an embarrassment, noting the gulf in global expectations between the two sides.
“It is not an embarrassment if Zambia is beaten by Argentina, how can that be an embarrassment?” Mweemba said. “Everybody expects Argentina to beat Zambia, but I think people should be able to see, ‘is there something we are seeing? How have we lost?’”
Zambia is set to face the world champions, led by global icon Lionel Messi, in a high-profile international friendly next Tuesday. The match presents a rare opportunity for the Chipolopolo boys to test themselves against one of the strongest teams in world football.
Mweemba called on the players to embrace the occasion rather than be intimidated by it.
“The coaches should just go there, enjoy the game, the players should enjoy the game, they should play for the nation, play for the badge, they should enjoy the moment. They should not put themselves under unnecessary pressure,” he said.
With experienced coach George Lwandamina set to take charge of the squad, FAZ leadership is hopeful that the team will deliver a spirited and disciplined performance.
Mweemba further stressed the importance of effort, pride, and dignity regardless of the final result.
“You saw me address the players, that was my message. We can lose, we cannot win all the games, but let us lose with respect, with dignity, honorably. Let’s see the effort,” he added.
The fixture is expected to draw significant attention both locally and internationally, as Zambia seeks to measure its progress against elite opposition. For many players, it will also be a chance to showcase their talent on a global stage and gain invaluable experience against top-tier competition.
As kickoff approaches, the message from FAZ leadership is clear: focus on performance, embrace the challenge, and represent the nation with pride.
it is very likely Argentina chose Zambia because our neighbors Angola accounted well for themselves in a friendly with Argentina played in Luanda. Angola lost 2-0 although the match was highly contested and Angola had chances to score. Now I hope Zambia account for themselves too and put up a fantastic display for the world to see. Anything less is unacceptable.