Zambia U23 Head Coach Chisi Mbewe has urged his players to give their all as Zambia meet Burkina Faso in a crucial Egypt 2027 AFCON U23 qualifier at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday.
The Junior Chipolopolo must overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the next round alive. Mbewe said Zambia understood what was at stake were focused on the task ahead.
“We know what is at stake. The Burkina Faso result is water under the bridge. This is a do or die game. This is a game that we need to apply all our efforts.” Said Mbewe “We have to score two unanswered goals to progress to the next round. We shouldn’t be under pressure,” Mbewe.
Mbewe also called on the fans to turn up in numbers and rally behind the team.
“The message to players is loud and clear. Everyone must fight to achieve the objective.”
“To the fans, they must turn up in numbers and support the boys. Their presence will inspire and motivate the boys. We saw how they supported the Chipolopolo in Ndola. The stadium was full. We appeal that they do the same,” he said.
And Junior Chipolopolo captain Humphrey Bwembya said the team was ready for the task as the boys had moved on from the defeat in Burkina Faso.
“The team is very much ready. The result that we had in Burkina Faso is water under the bridge; we just have to push so that we can carry the day in tomorrow’s game.” Said Bwembya.
Burkina Faso coach Musa Sonogo, meanwhile, acknowledged that his team had an advantage following the first-leg victory but warned against underestimating Zambia.
“Yes we have an advantage, but we know it’s not going to be an easy match. We have prepared well and the team is ready for the game.”
He said his players had also been prepared for the atmosphere awaiting them in Lusaka. “We are taking this match seriously. We are starting at 0-0 and we will fight to get the result that we want. We will not be under pressure,” SANOGO said.
“We anticipate a tough atmosphere, but we have psyched our players. Zambia has an electric atmosphere, but we have mentally prepared the team,” he said.
The Egypt 2027 AFCON U23 tournament will determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with the two finalists earning qualification. The winner of the Zambia-Burkina Faso tie will face the winner of the second-round contest between Mauritania and DR Congo in the final qualifying stage next March.
The match kicks off at 15h00 and tickets are still on sale at all Shoprite outlets via computicket. North and South Wings are going at K50, while at East Wing is at K100, with West Wing going at K150. VIP is pegged at K300.
