Abel Nyirongo, a striker for Zambia’s Under-17 men’s national team, has urged the team to work together in order to earn a spot in the inaugural FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
The 2025 U17 Africa Cup, which begins in Morocco on Sunday, has Zambia in Group A.
On Monday, Ian Bakala’s team will play Tanzania to begin their campaign.
According to Nyirongo, participating in the U-17 African Cup of Nations is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hence hard preparation is required.
He adds that the team is on a goal to qualify for the World Cup.
“The mood is quite good. Everyone is excited to be here to play at this wonderful pitch. It’s a privilege, and we’re going to take advantage,” Nyirongo.
“We are here to qualify for the World Cup, so we will give it our level best. This comes once in a lifetime; we need to use it to our advantage.”
The striker for Atletico Lusaka, who played for the COSAFA Under-17 team the previous season, says the first two games will be crucial to their goal-achieving effort.
“The first two games in the competition are the important games. I think it’s all about teamwork. Giving each other respect is the most important thing,” Nyirongo said.
Zambia hopes to overcome their reputation as the underdog in the competition, where they have not advanced past the group rounds, according to Nyirongo.
“Zambia is mostly considered as underdogs, but at this tournament we believe we’re going to give our level best and show the world that we are capable of qualifying for the World Cup and going far beyond.”
