Zambia Under-20 defensive midfielder Aaron Mbemba says the team wants to emulate the performances of the 2017 class that won the tournament on home soil.

The Junior Chipolopolo boys won the 2017 AFCON edition on home soil and also went on to reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup.

The 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kick off on Sunday when Zambia takes on Sierra Leone in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.

Host Egypt, South Africa, Zambia and Sierra Leone complete Group A.

In an interview, the 18-year-old player from Cadiz CF in Spain says the team is drawing inspiration from the class of 2017 that produced the likes of Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu (retired), Fashion Sakala, Edward Chilufya, and Emmanuel Banda, among others.

“When we look at what the 2017 under-20 did, it was and is still something that we look to. I think they brought a lot of joy to the country and to the world. So, I think what we want to do is just bring the same joy that every Zambian had back then,” Mbemba said.

Mbemba notes that replicating the same performances from the past comes with pressure but is confident the team is capable of handling it.

“But I think the best players and the best people out of every aspect of life are those that know how to handle the pressure that comes with every situation,” he noted.

Mbemba emphasizes that the focus should not only be on securing a positive result in the opener but also on ensuring adequate preparation for the entire tournament.

“I think the target is not only on the first game. The target is for preparation throughout the tournament,” Mbemba said.