Zambia is a game away from the semifinals of this year’s Africa Youth Championships when the face Egypt tomorrow, Saturday in both sides final Group B match in Brazzaville.
An outright win for 3rd placed Zambia on 3 points over number 2 positioned Egypt on 4 points will see the former through top the last 4.
Zambia put themselves back in contention when they rallied to beat Cameroon 3-2 with two late goals from joint top scorer Fwayo Tembo and Clifford Mulenga.
Tembo again should be instrumental in Zambia’s attack together with Red Arrows winger Simon Lupiya.
Egypt meanwhile are desperate to get their quest for a semifinal berth right this time after drawing 1-1 with group leaders Nigeria in the two sides penultimate pool match in midweek.
A draw over Zambia will be enough for them to reach the last 4
Nigeria meanwhile, on 4 points, has almost secured their last 4 place and they too need just a point over archrivals Cameroon to see them through.
Reaching the Africa Youth Cup semifinals gains all four nations qualifiers automatic berths to this years Fifa Under 21 Championships to be held in Canada this coming June.
KASONDE GETS UNDER 23 CALL-UP.
Power Dynamos defender Francis Kasonde has been drafted into the Zambia Under 23 national team.
Kasonde comes into the under 23 team as replacement for Konkola Blades defender Thomas Nyirenda.
Nyirenda was released in mid-week due to a long-term injury on his right thigh he sustained during a training game with the squad against Zamtel FC last Saturday.
The Power defender joined camp yesterday and begun training with the Under 23 team Friday morning’s training session.
Kasonde has been capped 11 times with the senior national team with one goal in his last game against Congo DR in a friendly played in Kitwe on December 12, 2005.
The Under 23 meanwhile tomorrow, Saturday travels to Chingola to play Nchanga Rangers in training game at Nchanga stadium.
