The Zambia U-23 National team will be looking to start their qualification journey to the Morocco 2023 U23 AFCON on a positive note this evening.
Oswald Mutapa’s men will be eying an important win in the qualifying race with a good away result against Sierra Leone on Saturday.
The U-23 will be looking to emulate their sisters and young brothers who have already done their part in continental and global showpiece qualification.
The Copper Queens qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and won the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Cup while Green Buffaloes Women’s FC qualified for the 2022 CAF Women’s Champions League tournament.
Zambia U20 boys clinched a 2023 U20 AFCON tournament spot after winning the 2022 COSAFA U20 Cup while Chipolopolo lifted the 2022 COSAFA Cup.
Jeban Tembo is expected to start between the sticks with Emmanuel Chembe, Mathews Chabala, Chikondi Njobvu, and John Chishimba making up the back four.
Mutapa is spoilt for choice in midfield. Skipper Patrick Gondwe is expected to be the creative spark for the team.
Mutapa has options in John Kosamu, Christopher Katongo, Wilson Chisala, Joshua Mutale, Muma Mumba, Kasoma Luwawa and Golden Mashata.
Upfront Jimmy Mukeya, Enock Sakala Jnr and in-form Andrew Phiri will battle for a slot to lead the attack.
The Young Chipolopolo Boys face Sierra Leone in a 2023 U23 AFCON second round, first leg qualifier away in Liberia at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia.
Meanwhile, the return leg against Sierra Leone is set for October 29 at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The winner over both legs will play Egypt or Eswatini in the final qualifying round next March. Egypt is away in the first leg on Sunday.
Kickoff at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia is set for 18H00 CAT.
Zambia were outplayed! Poor tactics. Std of play pathetic.