We’re game for Mauritius says U-20 coach
ZAMBIA Under-20 men’s national team coach Chisi Mbewe says his charges are ready for today’s crucial TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023/COSAFA qualifier against Mauritius.
Mbewe, who is leading a very rich technical bench consisting of George Chilufya, Albert Mpande and Alfred Lupiya said the young Chipolopolo were looking forward to play Mauritius who are deemed as underdogs.
Mbewe said Zambia would not underrate their opponents at the regional championship where they seek to earn qualification to the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the finals.
“So far so good. The preparations have been going on well. The players are in good shape, in high spirits and they are looking forward for the first game against Mauritius.
“We know the reason why we are here, we know it is not going to be an easy tournament because each and every team has prepared for the tournament but we have done our homework and the team looks set,” Mbewe said.
He said the junior Chipolopolo would fight for a win against Mauritius to motivate themselves going into the final group games against eSwatini and Botswana.
“The first game is very important and we need to maximise on points. We don’t have to underrate any team, we just need to fight and maximise on points,” he said.
And team doctor Aaron Munkondya said the team was injury-free going into today’s game.
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After playing Mauritius in a lunchtime kick-off Zambia will play tournament hosts eSwatini on Sunday before concluding the group games against Botswana on October 11.
The table toppers qualify to the semifinals of the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023 | COSAFA qualifier while the top two teams at the three-group tournament will qualify to the TotalEnergies U20 AFCON Egypt 2023.