Leicester forward Patson Daka has sent a message to the Zambia U17 national team ahead of their clash with Nigeria today at the 2023 Algeria Africa Cup of Nations.
The junior Chipolopolo are in Group B alongside South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco and will start their campaign tonight against the Golden Eaglets.
The boys return to the tournament after a seven-year absence. Zambia last participated at the U17 AFCON in 2015 with Daka as the team’s captain.
Coach Ian Bakala has expressed his belief that Zambia should make history on the continent despite being considered the underdog.
“History must be changed. Now is the time to promote Zambia and enhance our reputation,” Bakala said during the pre-match press conference. “We have a purpose for being here, and that purpose must be fulfilled. Although we might be the underdogs.”
READ ALSO: Bakala sounds warning ahead of U-17 AFCON opener.
Meanwhile, Daka has sent a best-wish message to the young Chipolopolo boys.
He took to his Instagram story and wrote: ” Good luck Boys.”
Daka is expected to be in action tomorrow with his relegation-battling Leicester City side against Everton.
The Chipolopolo top man captained Zambia when they last participated in the U17 AFCON tournament.
Despite failing to go past the group stage, he graduated to the under-20 national team that went all the way to win the Cup of Nations on a home in 2017 and qualified for the World Cup.
