Zambia U20 English-based call-ups midfielder Lifumpa Mwandwe and striker Mwiya Malumo are hoping to impress in the 2019 U20 AFCON qualifiers.
Seventeen-year- old Lifumpa and Malumo, 18 are only foreign-based call-ups summoned for this month’s first round qualifier against Rwanda away on May 11 and at home on May 18.
“Obviously it means a lot to me representing the country from where my family come from, especially playing for an older age group like the Under-20 is a big step-up. It is more physical and more demanding so I think it will be a big challenge for me,” Lifumpa, of Shrewsbury Town, said.
Meanwhile, Wigan striker Malumo and Lifumpa both said their Zambia Under-20 call-ups came as a surprise.
“It means a lot to me because I have always wanted to play for my country for a long time. I want to show I am still part the country and show how good I am in football,” Malumo said.
“It (the call-up) came as a surprise, I didn’t really expect it but it was a good way to end the season.”
The duo landed in Lusaka from the UK on Monday and will join their compatriots in Malaw in transit to Rwanda on Wednesday after a five-day training camp in Lilongwe where Zambia also played two friendly matches.
On Tuesday, Zambia beat club side Silver Youths 3-1 through goals from Prince Mumba, Francesco Mwepu and Albert Kangwanda.
This is after they beat hosts Malawi 1-0 last Saturday in Lilongwe via a Mwepu goal.
Meanwhile, winner between Zambia and Rwanda will advance to the final round in July to play the victor of the Sudan versus Burundi clash for a place in next year finals in Niger.
Let’s roll … make the smart people of the Zambian Enterprise proud
why impressing the bench instead of Zambian fans?
I hope these kids are not just ‘wonna be(ies)’… ikula likula nangu lifume ku bulaya bola ni bola… ndeloleshafye