The Zambia under-17 on Tuesday begin their quest for global glory when they take on Indonesia in their opening 2025 Qatar FIFA World Cup.
Coach Dennis Makinka’s boys enter the tournament on the back of two impressive results in preparatory matches played in Dubai.
The Junior Chipolopolo defeated Mexico and New Caledonia 3 – 1 and 3 – 0, respectively, before shifting full focus to the tournament.
Makinka said in an interview that the team is adapting well and eager to set the ball rolling.
“We are adapting very well, it is good and a great feeling, we are just concentrating and anxious to play our first game,” Makinka said.
Zambia’s group stage fixtures will see them face Indonesia tomorrow, followed by a match against Honduras on Friday, before concluding their campaign with a tie against Brazil next Monday.
“We are coming into this World Cup as first-timers, and Indonesia has already participated in the tournament before. It’s quite a big challenge. They’ve tested the waters and this will be our first time. So, of course, we have a plan. We’ve watched them play in the qualifiers as well,” Makinka said.
Indonesia did not win any of its last three friendly games, losing to Paraguay and drawing 0-0 with Ivory Coast, but Makinka does not want to judge them based on those results.
“You know, friendlies, you never know what they were looking for, maybe they were not looking for results. It’s something else that they look for,” he said.
READ ALSO: Power Dynamos Drawn in Tough Group with RS Berkane, Pyramids, and Rivers United
