HAMANSENYA SAYS YOUNGSTERS READY TO STEP UP TO MOROCCO CHALLENGE

06.09.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Spain-based rising star David Hamansenya believes Zambia’s new wave of youngsters are ready to step up to the challenge when the Chipolopolo face Morocco in Monday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Leganés defender, who earned his first senior national team call-up, joins an exciting group of promising talents in coach Avram Grant’s 26-member squad. Among them are Gift Siame, Joseph Liteta, Mathews Banda, Happy Nsiku, Golden Mafwenta, as well as already established young stars like Miguel Chaiwa and Joseph Sabobo Banda.

Hamansenya, one of Zambia’s brightest performers at the Under-20 AFCON, could not hide his excitement at the opportunity:

“I was very excited when I got the news that I had been called up to the senior national team. The senior players have welcomed us nicely; they told us to be confident, not to be afraid of making mistakes, and to be comfortable among them.”

The 18-year-old expressed gratitude for the chance to prove himself:

“We appreciate this opportunity and we will make sure to utilize it. We will do our best.”

Looking ahead to the clash against Morocco, Hamansenya admitted it will be a tough contest but remains optimistic:

“We have to work together as a team and everything will go well. The match will be very tough, it will not be easy, looking at Morocco and the way they played at the World Cup. I think it will be a nice but tough game.”

Hamansenya also made a passionate appeal to the Chipolopolo faithful:

“We want the fans to come and support us. Their presence will boost our morale to do our best in the match.”

Zambia will host Morocco at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Monday at 15h00.

Morocco, who have already secured their FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket after a 5-0 win over Niger, top Group E with 18 points. Tanzania follow in second place on 10 points after their 1-1 draw with Congo Brazzaville, who sit bottom with a single point. Zambia, currently third on six points, will be hoping for a strong performance to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Only the nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while the four best runners-up will contest for a play-off slot.