Chipolopolo and US Lecce winger Lameck Banda has urged the Zambia U17 national team to believe in themselves and play as a unit against South Africa tonight.

Banda, who has been part of all the age groups national teams starting with the under 17, under 20, and under 23, believes the Young Chipolopolo have what it takes to beat the Amajibos tonight at the ongoing 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

He tells Bolanews in an interview that the boys played well against Nigeria and that all they need now is encouragement because they are still young.

“I watched the game against Nigeria….. The boys played well they should just continue with the way they played,” said Banda. “We need to encourage them; We should not give them a lot of pressure because they are still young…. They should just go out and enjoy the game”

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Both Zambia and South Africa lost their opening matches 1-0 to Nigeria and 2-0 to Morocco respectively.

The two will look to revive their chances of staying in the competition tonight by recording their first win.

Lameck Banda believes Amajimbos are beatable

Banda who is expected to be in action against Juventus tonight has since tipped the Ian Bakala-coached side to maintain the same momentum they had against Nigeria.

“They should maintain their fine form just like they played against Nigeria. They can beat South Africa, “Banda told BolaNews. “The team should continue to believe in themselves and enjoy the game against South Africa, they will win.”

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The four teams that will reach the competition’s semifinals will automatically qualify for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.

A win for either Zambia or South Africa tonight will leave them needing only a point to advance to the quarterfinals.