Young Chipolopolo eye perfect finish
By Adrian Mwanza
THE Zambia Under-20 national team will today look to finish the group stage on a high note when they take on Botswana in their final Group C fixture at the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)/Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) qualifiers in Mozambique.
The Young Chipolopolo sit top of Group C with six points after opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malawi before thrashing Comoros 3-0 in their second match.
The Perry Mutapa-tutored side will now be aiming to end the group campaign strongly against Botswana, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Malawi in their second match of the tournament.
Mutapa will be counting on captain Tumelo Mununga, who was voted man of the match in the victory over Comoros, to lead the team’s charge.
The coach will also look to Jonathan Kalimina to marshal the defence and help Zambia secure another positive result.
Mutapa said the team’s primary target was to qualify for the AFCON, adding that he was pleased with the way his charges had performed at the tournament.
He said the team’s objective could change once qualification was secured, with winning the tournament ultimately becoming the target.
“Our first target is to qualify for the Africa Cup and when we do, then we are now going to try to win the tournament,” he said.
Mutapa said he was pleased with his side, which largely comprises young players being introduced to international football.
Zambia lead Group C with six points, followed by Malawi on three points, while Comoros and Botswana have one point each.
