Zambia Under-20 national team midfielder Emmanuel Banda says they are not under-pressure heading into the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup later this month.
Beston Chambeshi’s side have been in camp since April 12 in Lusaka preparing for the tournament that South Korea is hosting from May 20 to June 11.
The Portugal-based midfielder said winning the 2016 Cosafa U20 Cup and 2017 U20 AFCON titles has seen them shade the underdog tag.
“I wouldn’t say it has put pressure on us. It is actually a boost for us because we are going as African champions just like we came into U20 AFCON as COSAFA U20 Cup champions. So that is also very big boost for us as we head into the World Cup,” the ex-Nchanga Rangers player said.
“We are not going there as underdogs.”
Zambia are in Group C in South Korea where they they play Costa Rica, Iran and two-time World champions Portugal.
Chambeshi’s sides face Portugal in their Group C opener on May 21 in Jeju where they will be based.
All the best boy! You are going there to win it!
A good result in our opening match against Portugal (win or at the worst a draw) will be key for morale to help lift the boys for the remaining 2 group games!
Lets go boys, the whole nation is behind you, though it will also be important to resolve any potential distractions over allowances, team management structure etc, bon voyage…