Zambia under-20 National team head coach, Chisi Mbewe believes his side is mentally strong to take hosts Eswatini regardless of the home ground advantage their opponent will have when the two nations clash at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations/Cosafa Cup qualifiers.
Mbewe said the young Chipolopolo are capable of beating Eswatini in front of their home fans because his technical bench has psyched the team and they are ready for the challenge.
“We are here to compete like I have always been saying, and the most important thing is to prepare the boys physically and mentally, we know that we are playing the host nation and we expect that the home supporters to fully support them but that will not affect our plan, because we have prepared the team. We will just apply ourselves and ensure we win the game,” He said.
He has also insisted that the team will not be disturbed with the unavailability of Zesco United tricky winger, Chipyoka Songa who left camp in order to join his club Zesco United who will be in action this evening against South African side Royal AM in the CAF Confederations Cup.
“Chipyoka Songa is a great player, you saw how he lifted the spirit of the team in the first game against Mauritius , and this situation has come, I know you may say it’s a setback for us but obviously we already have a plan B in place because we have 20 players in camp,” He said.
Chipyoka Songa was voted player of the match in the game against Mauritius after putting up a great performance.
The Young Chipolopolo boys began their Egypt 2023 TotalEnergies under-20 Africa cup of nations COSAFA Cup Qualifiers on a positive note after beating Mauritius 3-0 in their Group A opener.
The boys will go into this afternoon’s game knowing very well that with a victory over Eswatini, qualification to the sami finals will be guaranteed.
Both teams are coming from victories in their first games as tournament host Eswatini edged Botswana by 2-1.
Mbewe is however, expected to make a few changes from the team that comfortably beat Mauritius with MUZA F.C striker Rickson Ng’ambi who got himself a brace in the first game expected to replace Chipyoka Songa while Ng’ambi will be supported by Green Eagles centre forward Derrick Bulaya and Red arrows starlet Joseph Sabobo Banda in attack.
In midfield, Skipper Dominic kaunda is likey to be joined by Charles Banda and Julius kumwenda and the defence may remain unchanged with Amon Chulu, Lombe mutale, Happy Nsiku and Gift Mphande will be tasked to replicate their performance in the first game against where they managed to keep a clean sheet.
Jeban Tembo is expected to maintain his position between the sticks.
The 2022 COSAFA under-20 Championship also doubles up as a zonal qualifier for the TotalEnergies AFCON under-20 which will be held in Egypt.
The tournament will run from October 7th to 16th October in Eswatini.
