THE Tanzania national futsal team has arrived in Lusaka ahead of two international friendlies against Zambia as both sides intensify preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
A 24-member Tanzanian delegation arrived in the capital in the morning for the two fixtures, which will be played at the Automotive Indoor Futsal Arena on Sunday, July 19 and Tuesday, July 21.
Speaking after the team’s arrival, Tanzania captain Awedh Juma described the friendlies as an important test for both nations ahead of the continental showpiece.
“The friendly games are good because Tanzania and Zambia are going to play AFCON in a few months, so it is going to be a good for us as we prepare for AFCON,” Juma said.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about Zambian players, but we know Zambia has a futsal team like we do in Tanzania, and I believe we are going to play a good match. As Tanzania, I believe we are going to win both games.”
Juma encouraged fans to go and watch the two games at the Automotive Indoor Futsal Arena to inspire the development of futsal in Africa.
The first match will kick off at 16:00 on Sunday, with the second fixture scheduled for Tuesday at 18:30.
The two-match series will give Zambia coach Andrea Cristoforetti and his assistant Roberto Coccia an opportunity to assess their squad ahead of the AFCON finals, while Tanzania will use the games to fine-tune preparations for their maiden appearance at the continental tournament.
Zambia, who have competed at four Futsal AFCON finals are currently ranked fifth in Africa and 70th in the FIFA world rankings, while Tanzania qualified for their first-ever CAF Futsal AFCON after defeating Ivory Coast 9-7 on aggregate in the qualifiers.
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