By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Zambia U20 this Saturday plays 2025 U20 AFCON hosts Egypt with an eye on staying in the top three bracket in Group A when they clash in Ismailia.
Young Chipolopolo heads into match day two after a scoreless draw against Sierra Leone on Sunday evening.
Egypt on the other hand are second in the five-team Group on 4 points after beating South Africa 1-0 last Sunday and losing 4-1 to leaders Sierra Leone on Wednesday who now have 4 points.
South Africa are third on 3 points after beating Tanzania 1-0 in Wednesday’s other Group A fixture.
With three more Group A games left to play, the onus is on Zambia to move into the top three bracket in the race for qualification to the quarterfinals.
Zambia defender Million Nalumango has described the match as probably their biggest test so far at the U20 AFCON.
“There is definitely pressure that comes with it.(playing the hosts),” Nalumango said.
“Playing against the host nation is an opportunity to make a statement as to how we are going to approach the tournament and the mindset with which we will approach the game with. Yes, it is definitely going to be a tough game but a good game as well.”
But Zambia heads into the game with some injury concerns.
Key striker and captain Joseph Sabobo Banda sustained an injury during the game against Sierra Leone but there is optimism he will recover in time for the game against Egypt.
Defender Mathews Banda who was substituted in the 43rd minute of the match against Sierra Leone is the other player who was carrying an injury from the Sierra Leone game.
Meanwhile, the game will come three days before Zambia’s penultimate Group A fixture against Tanzania on May 6 before closing their pool camping against South Africa on May 9.
Six top two finishers from the three-group tournament and two best third-placed sides will advance to the quarterfinals.
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