The Zambia U17 Men’s National Team will begin their search for an African title and a FIFA World Cup spot when they face Nigeria this evening in Group B at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Algeria 2023.
The junior Chipolopolo will be making their second appearance at the continental showpiece having suffered a misfortune of a cancelled tournament in 2021 due to COVID-19 and today’s match will be the second time that they will be meeting the Golden Eaglets at the AFCON.
The last time the two teams met was in 2015 when a Victor Osimhen brace and a Kelechi Nwakali goal helped Nigeria to a 3-1 win. Patson Daka scored a consolation for Zambia at the Municipal stadium in Niamey, Niger.
With players graduating in age group contests almost every year, a new look U17 squad is expected out of the Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine. Kick-off will be at 18h00CAT and the match will be live on both Supersport and TopStar.
Coach Ian Bakala is expected to keep faith in the majority of boys that sealed qualification to the AFCON and won the COSAFA Championship last December, with Shadreck Kalyati expected to be the goalminder against the West Africans.
In defence, David Hamansenya and Charles Kampamba may partner in central defence supported by Aaron Simpasa and Sekanji Siame on the sides. Milimo Nalumango, Chimuka Lweendo, and Obvious Mwaliteta Jr are some of the strong options available. Captain Aaron Mbemba Phiri will possibly marshal the midfield together with Samson Malaya, Joseph Liteta and Jonathan Kalimina.
Bakala may likely partner Marcel Zimba with Emmanuel Mwanza or Luketekelo Joram Kapowa upfront. Linecker Mbesuma, Joseph Liteta and Stanley Nyamikwe have also looked strong in training and may have a huge say on who starts in the first XI.
In the other Group B match, Morocco will tackle South Africa at 21h00CAT, also live on Supersport and TopStar.
The top four teams at this year’s U17 AFCON will earn slots to the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup pencilled to take place later this year.