The Zambia Boys U17 National team made easy work of New Caledonia in their final preparatory match ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025.
Coming off a brilliant 3-1 win over Mexico Dennis Makinka made a strong starting line up as he continues to fine tune his best eleven with James Sibeene captaining the side again.
They started strong from the onset pilling pressure on New Caledonia. Abel Salim Nyirongo and Jonathan Kalimina came close twice each in the opening 20 minutes.
Zambia finally too the lead in the 22nd minute, Abel Salim Nyirongo with the opener. Jonathan Kalimina doubled the lead ten minutes later.
Nyirongo was a nuisance for the New Caledonia defense and goalkeeper as he came close twice again before the break but Kutran Nicholas in the New Caledonia goal was up for the task.
At the start of the second half Makinka made eight changes with Robert ‘Sugar Sugar’ Banda and Billy Daka leading the new entrants while the likes of Abel Salim Nyirongo and Jonathan Kalimina making way.
Billy Daka made it 3-0 with a well headed goal nine minutes after being introduced.
Zambia continued to dominate the match and creating chances but Nicholas was equal to the task denying Daka, Nkotami Chimwemwe.
The match finished 3-0, a comfortable win for Dennis Makinka’s side in their final preparatory match ahead of the World Cup which kicks off on 3rd November.
Zambia have been drawn in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Indonesia.
The Junior Chipolopolo will open their World Cup campaign against Indonesia on November 4, face Honduras three days later, and conclude the group stage with a tough clash against Brazil on November 10.
International Friendly Match
Zambia 3-0 New Caledonia
(Abel Salim Nyirongo 22′ , Jonathan Kalimina 32′ , Billy Daka 54′)
