The Zambia U17 National Team on Monday evening thrashed Senegal 4-2 in a friendly match ahead of the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Young Kafue Celtic wonderkid Jonathan Kalimina scored an 11-minute hat-trick in the first half before Marcel Zimba added the cherry on the cake with the fourth goal for Zambia.
Senegal got their consolidation goals through Mame Mody and their captain Amara Diouf who scored from a spot kick.
The U17 AFCON is set to be held from 29 April – 19 May 2023 IN Algeria. It will also serve as the qualifier for the 2023 U-17 Peru FIFA World Cup.
The junior Chipolopolo are in Group B alongside South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco. They will start their campaign on 30th April 2023 against the Golden Eaglets who hold the record for the most appearances (7) in the competition.
Senegal, along with hosts Algeria, Congo, and Somalia, is in Group A. They will be making their third appearance in the tournament, having failed to advance from the group stage in 2011 and finishing as third-best in 2019.
The Young Teranga Lions are also hoping to return to the World Cup after making their debut at the 2019 edition in Brazil.
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Meanwhile, young Chipolopolo boys last participated in the junior AFCON in 2015. They will be making their second appearance at the tournament.
The COSAFA champions will also be hoping to qualify for the U17 World Cup for the first time in its history.
