Zambia, the 2012 African champions, will be one of the nation’s taking part in the joint football competitions during the next FIFA international window, which takes place in Malawi from March 18–26, 2024.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has revealed that it will implement the pilot phase of the FIFA Series during the upcoming Men’s International Match Calendar window in March 2024.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the FIFA Series will see member associations in organizing friendly matches comprising four national teams.
“Our member associations have been telling us for a long time now of their desire to test themselves against their counterparts from all around the world, and now they can do so within the current Men’s International Match Calendar.”
Other nations to participate in the football competition are Kenya, an East African country, and Malawi, the host nation.
According to Malawi FA President Fleetwood Haiya, national teams will benefit greatly from this competition by having the chance to play against top competition in advance of their impending 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AfCON qualifying campaigns.
“We believe hosting these joint tournaments will build camaraderie between our nations, provide high-level competition,” he said.
There will also be a youth tournament for U20 national teams which will take place during the same period preparing them for upcoming 2024 AfCON Under 20 qualifiers later this year.
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“I promised to transform the game but working on the level of competition and this tournament will surely help us ahead of games to come. We look forward to hosting exciting tournaments that showcase the very best talent our countries have to offer,” added Haiya.
