Zambia’s Redemption Journey Begins: U-20s Set for Sierra Leone Test

27.04.2025 | Football DNA

The Zambia Men’s Under-20 national team has received a timely boost with the arrival of Brazil-based midfielder Andrew Kapambwe Mulenga ahead of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Mulenga’s arrival completes Coach Boyd Mulwanda’s 24-member squad, just in time for Zambia’s opening Group A clash against Sierra Leone this Sunday.

The 17th edition of the U-20 AFCON features 13 nations battling it out across three iconic Egyptian venues — Cairo, Ismailia, and Suez.

Zambia find themselves in a competitive Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and regional rivals South Africa.

On Saturday afternoon, the young Chipolopolo had a feel of the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, familiarizing themselves with the turf ahead of today’s crucial opener against Sierra Leone.

With memories of the disappointing 2023 campaign still fresh — where Zambia exited at the group stage without a win, finishing bottom of Group C with just one point — the stakes are even higher this time around. Incidentally, that tournament was also staged in Egypt, adding an extra layer of pressure on Mulwanda’s charges to rewrite their story.

FAZ Media captured some moments as the team walked the pitch on the eve of the match, radiating a sense of focus and determination.

All eyes are now on the young Chipolopolo as they look to kick-start their campaign on a positive note and rekindle the nation’s proud U-20 legacy.