MUKWIMA CHILALA writes
ZAMBIA Under-23 team regrouped this week and got down to business in readiness for next month’s crucial last round of the AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazaville.
Assistant coach, Tenant Chilumba, told the media that the competition among players was high as the team prepares for the June 5 Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
He said that the bench had drafted some players that were not part of the two-legged victory over Malawi to add to the competitiveness of the squad.
“So far so good, everyone is in, it is only Nkana and Buildcon players who have a game on Wednesday and the program is on course,” he said.
“There is stiff competition, we have brought in some new players like Mwepu (Francisco) from Kafue Celtic, Benson Kolala from Forest Rangers and Zacks Chilongozi from Kabwe Warriors.”
Chilumba expressed confidence that his players were working very hard in training and aiming for victory.
“It is a big challenge but we are ready, we just have to put our heads together and get a win against Congo Brazzaville,” he said.
Foreign-based players will join in the final stages of preparations with a foreign camp on the cards to help the team fully prepare for the assignment.
Zambia will host Congo Brazzaville on June 5 before heading to Pointe Noire in Brazzaville four days later for the final leg.
Winners over both legs will qualify for the U23 AFCON to be hosted by Egypt in November. Top three teams at the AFCON will qualify to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
