The Zambia U17 National team will be looking to secure a slot in the 2025 U17 World Cup when they face off with Morocco.
The Young Copper Bullets started their campaign like a house on fire with a 4-1 win over Tanzania.
Jonathan Kalimina opened the scoring with a brilliant strike before Abel Salim Nyirongo doubled the lead before goals from Mike Mutale and Gabriel Phiri could seal the win.
Meanwhile Morocco registered their biggest win at the finals with a 5-0 success over Uganda in their opening game. Morocco have still never lost their opening game at the finals.
The pair meet at the finals for a second edition in a row having contested their final group game in 2023. Morocco were already pool winners on that occasion as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat with Zambia taking the honours on the day.
Midfielder Mapalo Simute says the team wants to beat Morocco so that they can secure a place at the World Cup.
“Me and my teammates are working together, we want to qualify to the world Cup. Playing Morocco won’t be easy, they won 5-0. We will work hard , we just want to win the game,” he said.
Coach Ian Bakala could tinker with the team that started in the first leg, Sporting Lusaka product Robert ‘Sugar Sugar’ Banda who was fantastic coming off the bench could start.
Shamuel Academy’s Rogers Simumba is expected to start between the sticks with Andrew Mwape, Kafue Celtic’s Jonathan Kalimina, Savior Mwansa and Sporting Lusaka midfielder cum defender James Nene Sibeene making up the back four.
In midfield, Mike Mutale is expected to be joined by Nkotami Chimwemwe and Ntasilwe Malupande.
Upfront Abel Salim Nyirongo who was named player of the match against Tanzania is expected to lead the charge with Mapalo Simute on the wing while Billy Daka could make way for Robert Banda.
The TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 match day 2 encounter involving the two familiar rivals will kick-off at 22h00 CAT at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
CAF is streaming the games through the FIFA Plus platform and their official YouTube Channel.
U17 AFCON; Zambia Probable Starting XI vs Morocco.
GK: Rodgers Simumba (16)
RB: Andrew Mwape (3)
LB: Jonathan Kalimina (20)
CB:Savior Mwansa (14)
CB: James Nene Sibeene (11)
DMF:Mike Mutale (21)
CMF: Nkotami Chimwemwe (15)
CMF; Ntasilwe Malupande (10)
RW: Robert Banda (7)
LW: Mapalo Simute (17)
CF: Abel Nyirongo (9)
