Zambia U20 men’s national team head coach Boyd Mulwanda has revealed his final 20-man squad for the COSAFA U20 Championship, set to take place in Mozambique from September 26 to October 5.
As defending champions, Zambia will be eyeing their 13th title as they head to the Mozambican capital, Maputo, for the tournament. The competition also serves as a qualifier for the 2024 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mulwanda has assembled a strong squad that includes several U17 players promoted to the U20 ranks, such as NAPSA Stars striker Emmanuel Mwanza, who impressed at the U17 AFCON in Algeria earlier this year with three goals.
Joining him from the U17 setup are Aaron Mbemba Phiri, Sekanji Siame, Perkins Mumba Mwale, Tryson Banda, and Aaron Simpasa.
The Junior Chipolopolo will kick off their campaign on September 27 with a Group B clash against Angola, followed by a crucial encounter against Namibia on October 1.
In Group A, hosts Mozambique will battle Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. In Group C features South Africa, Malawi, Comoros, and Lesotho.
Only the group winners and the best-placed runner-up across the three groups will advance to the semifinals, with the two finalists securing spots at the 2024 U20 AFCON.
Zambia heads into the tournament with high hopes of defending their title and booking their place on the continental stage.
FINAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Levison Banda (ZESCO United), Eric Makungu (Shamuel Academy)
DEFENDERS: Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Mathews Banda (Nkana FC). Fostine Mwenya (Aero Strikers), Samuel Ngulube (Kafue Celtic), Sekanji Siame (Power Dynamos). Aaron Mbemba Phiri (Kafue Celtic), Emmanuel Lungu (Green Eagles)
MIDFIELDERS: David Simukonda (ZESCO United), Perkins Mumba Mwale (Green Buffaloes), Benson Kapeshi (Atletico Lusaka), Tryson Banda (Kabwe Warriors). Obvious Mwaliteta Jr (Cubs United FC), Aaron Simpasa (Power Dynamos)
STRIKERS: Pascal Phiri, Patrick Simwinga (both Red Arrows), Henry Mbuti (Kafue Celtic), Emmanuel Mwanza (NAPSA Stars), Eliya Mwandanji (ZESCO United).
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