The Zambia U-17 National will this afternoon face a tough test ahead of their TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations Algeria 2023 opening match.
The tournament kicks-off this weekend and Ian Bakala will be looking to fine tune his team before facing their Group B opponents.
Bakala believes this friendly match will gauge his sides readiness for the tournament against a top opponent who are motivated.
“This friendly is very important for us, we have to know where we need to start from. We have played local friendlies in Zambia but I think this one is more important for us before the tournament,” Bakala said after the team’s training session at the Algerian Football Federation national technical centre.
“Senegal have a good side and are motivated by the senior team’s triumph in various tournaments. They are coming here to fight and it will be better for us to compete with them in the AFCON but Monday’s game is important and we hope the boys will do their part and we should see a good result even if it’s a friendly.”
Shadreck Kalyati is expected to start between the sticks with Sekanji Siame, Aaron Simpasa, David Hamansenya and Charles Kampamba making up the back four.
Bakala could also give chance to Milimo Nalumango, Jonathan Kalimina, and Josiah Kabandula who are all available for selection.
In midfield, skipper Aaron Mbemba Phiri is likely to partner the Atletico Lusaka duo of Samson Malaya and Joseph Liteta.
James Sibeene, Stanley Nyamikwe, Bunonge Bunonge and Obvious Mwaliteta Jr are also viable options for the Forest Rangers boss.
Upfront Marcel Zimba will likely lead the attack alongside Emmanuel Mwanza and Lineker Mbesuma.
Josim ‘Messi’ Sikazwe, Andrew Phiri, and Luketekelo are also available and raring to go.
The match will be played at 16h00CAT at the Rouiba Stadium in Algiers.
The COSAFA champions are in Group B alongside Nigeria, regional rivals South Africa and Morocco.
The U17 AFCON will run from April 29 to May 19 and the four semi-finalists of the tournament will qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be played later this year.
The Young Chipolopolo will come up with Nigeria on 30 April before a crunch fixture against South Africa on 3 May. Bakala’s side will wrap-up their Group B engagement with North Africans Morocco on 6 May.
Lusaka province select side