The Zambia U17 Men’s National Team is set to play a friendly match against Senegal in preparation for the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Algeria 2023, which is scheduled to start on 29 April. The match is scheduled to be played today at 16h00CAT at Rouiba Stadium in Algiers.
Zambia coach Ian Bakala emphasized the importance of the friendly, stating that it is long-overdue as the team prepares to face Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco in Group B of the AFCON. He said, “This friendly is very important for us, we have to know where we need to start from. We have played local friendlies in Zambia but I think this one is more important for us before the tournament.”
Bakala also expressed his respect for Senegal, acknowledging their talented squad and motivation stemming from their senior team’s triumphs in various tournaments. He noted, “Senegal have a good side and are motivated by the senior team’s triumph in various tournaments. They are coming here to fight and it will be better for us to compete with them in the AFCON but Monday’s game is important and we hope the boys will do their part and we should see a good result even if it’s a friendly.”
Senegal, on the other hand, will tackle hosts Algeria, Congo, and debutants Somalia in Group A of the U17 AFCON. The tournament will run from April 29 to May 19, and the four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA World Cup later this year.
