Zambia U-20 midfielder Joseph Liteta reacted to his Copa Italia Primavera triumph and discussed the Young Chipolopolo’s chances at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in an exclusive interview with BolaNews.
He joined Serie A side Cagliari Calcio in the summer of 2024 from Zambian Super League outfit Atletico Lusaka after impressing during trials in Italy. The playmaker was assigned to Cagliari U20’s team in the youth league, Primavera 1, where he has been a key player.
Liteta’s debut campaign with Rossoblu culminated in winning the Italian youth cup as they convincingly beat Milan U20 3-0 in the final to claim the gold. The youngster successfully converted a shootout penalty in the quarterfinals against holders Fiorentina U20 before starting in both the semifinals and final.
Reacting to his Copa Italia Primavera win in an exclusive interview with BolaNews, Liteta said, “It was a great feeling and an exciting one as well but all the credit goes to God. It wasn’t going to be an easy game, but we gave everything.”
Liteta, 19, did not struggle to get up and running in Italy, having developed in the ranks of one of the best youth academies in Zambia at Atletico Lusaka. He has started 21 of the 27 league games he has been available for selection, with Rossoblu dominating play in the middle of the park.
“I have really improved on my tactical side of the game because here in Italy they focus a lot more on tactics [and] how you should position yourself. All in all, I think I have improved in a lot of things as well because the intensity is a little bit high here,” revealed Liteta about the difference between playing in Zambia and Italy.
Liteta on AFCON U-20 Call-up
The midfielder, who graduated from the Zambia U-17 team after starring at the 2023 U-17 AFCON in Algeria, now plays at the U-20 level. He is part of the foreign-based youngsters who will join the squad of local players preparing for the 2025 U20 AFCON scheduled for this month.
When quizzed about representing the Young Chipolopolo at the U20 AFCON, Liteta responded, “I know how the AFCON is, given that I played in one. We know it’s going to be hard. But we will do everything and work together to represent the country well. It’s going to be a tough one but exciting as well. We have a really good team.”
Zambia has been drawn with hosts Egypt, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, and South Africa in Group A. The competition is set to run from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt, with 13 sides battling for the crown and slots at the U-20 World Cup in Chile.
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