Zambia U23 Men’s National Team Coach Oswald Mutapa says though the U20 boys could not qualify to the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, the U23 Chipolopolo should take a leaf of qualification for the continental showpiece from them.

Speaking after Tuesday’s training session, Mutapa says he is confident in the players selected for the final qualification stage for the AFCON, with room for 2 or 3 Under -20 players to help the team qualify.

However, Mutapa says the technical bench is hoping to beef up the team with foreign based players if they will be available.

And Striker Enock Sakala says there is a lot of competition in the team which might bring about good results from the players, adding that the preparations are still on even in their respective football clubs.

The U23 National Team will face Egypt on 20th and 28th March 2023, for the final qualification stage of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

By Cosmas Chongo Mulenga