The Zambia U17 adventure at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will face a serious test this afternoon as they face Mali in the round of 32.
The two teams face off after finishing as runners up in their respective groups. Zambia qualified to the last 32 as Group H runners-up, finishing the group stage unbeaten with seven points from three matches , victories over Indonesia (3-1) and Honduras (5-2), followed by a spirited 1-1 draw with Brazil.
Mali, meanwhile, finished second in Group L, where they showed both power and resilience. The West Africans recorded wins over New Zealand (3-0) and Saudi Arabia (2-0), but suffered a 3-0 loss to Austria in their second match.
The debutantes are looking to continue their adventure at the global showpiece but coach Dennis Makinka knows it won’t be an easy task against a physical Mali side.
“Group stages are different from Knock out stages. In knock out stages, you have to win the games so that approach will be different but obviously the mentality and focus of our players will be the same but tactically will be different,” he said.
“We know their style of play, they are very physical, they are quick on the ball but we need to match that. Remember that we played Brazil who were physical and quick, so we planned on closing them down,winning the ball and keeping it then striking from there.”
Meanwhile midfielder Lukonde Mwale believes the team can go all the way to the final but have to take it one game at a time.
“I believe we will take it game by game , each is different but I believe we are capable of reaching the final however it is to take it game by game because you need to face the challenge that’s right in front of you,” Mwale told the ZamFoot Crew.
Between the sticks Christo Chitambala is expected to continue after his heroics against Indonesia, Honduras and Brazil ahead of Rogers Simumba and Wiseman Nkumbu.
Sporting Lusaka utility player James Neene Sibeene who has been solid at the back is expected to be joined by Levison Banda, Andrew Mwape, and Jonathan Kalimina in the back four.
Coach Dennis Makinka seems to have faith in Kalimina, Sibeene, Mwape and Banda as his trusted back four to do the job.
Bongani Ndhlovu and Chimwemwe Nkotami are among those available for selection in midfield.Kelvin Chipelu is likely to start on the wing ahead of Robert ‘Sugar Sugar’ Banda who is eying a starting berth with Nthasi Malupande also available for selection.
Felix Phiri and Mapalo Simute are expected to be the architects of the Zambian tempo and overall game in terms of creativity to provide opportunities for the in-form Abel Salim Nyirongo upfront who has already notched up 3 goals.
Spain-based midfielder Lukonde Mwale who already has a goal to his name and Steven Lungu are also able to provide that creative spark Zambia needs to get a win over Mali.
Daniel Silubonde and Nkwazi talisman Billy Daka who have come off the bench in almost every game are also ready to step in if required.
The match kicks off at 15:30 local time (14:30 Zambian time) at the Aspire Zone in Doha.
