Zambia U20 coach Chisi Mbewe has saluted his charges for finally pickup up a pre-2023 U20 AFCON friendly win following Monday’s victory over South Sudan.
Young Chipolopolo beat the U20 AFCON new boys South Sudan 3-0 in Ismailia on Monday night just four days after landing in Egypt ahead of the tournament that kicks off there on February 19 and ends on March 11.
The result comes after Zambia lost both their last two pre-tournament friendlies during their West African tour where they were beaten 4-2 away by Nigeria and 1-0 by Senegal.
Nigeria and Senegal were also using the friendlies as pre-2023 U20 AFCON games.
There was a lot of focus and a lot of fighting spirit that I think the boys were looking forward to in this game,” Chisi said.
“I think they didn’t feel well after those two defeats to Nigeria and Senegal so they really wanted this victory so much.
“We are happy as a technical staff because it brings confidence in the players as we go into the tournament.”
Rickson Ng’ambi, Julius Kumwenda and Kingston Mutandwa scored a goal each after a barren first half.
Zambia faces 2021 U20 AFCON runners-up Uganda in their final friendly on February 16 in Ismailia.
They will open their Group C campaign on February 21 against Benin.
Tunisia and Gambia are Zambia’s other Group C opponents.
