The Zambia U-17 men's national football team has kicked off its preparations for the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco this April. The tournament serves as a vital qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with the top four teams securing automatic spots in the prestigious global event.
Head coach Ian Bakala is optimistic about the team's progress, highlighting the strong potential of the players in camp. “Everyone is pushing hard. The players coming into camp look promising, and so far, so good. We expect to assemble a strong squad heading into AFCON,” Bakala commented.
Bakala stressed the critical role of friendly matches in assessing the team’s readiness for the upcoming competition. He has emphasized the importance of playing at least five friendly matches, including two international fixtures, to gauge the team’s strategy and performance. "We need these friendly matches to evaluate how we will approach the competition," said Bakala.
The team's primary goal is clear: qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. "First, we need to qualify for the World Cup, and then we’ll fight for a place in the final," Bakala added confidently.
In a bid to fine-tune the squad, Bakala has made significant changes, dropping 15 players from the initial list of 40. He emphasized that selections are based purely on current form and performance rather than past tournament appearances. "It’s not about where you come from or which club you play for—it’s about what you bring to the team,” Bakala explained. “If a new player performs better than someone who played at COSAFA, they will take their place.”
With the tournament just around the corner, Zambia’s U-17 team is focused on securing a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup and fighting for a spot in the AFCON final. The countdown to Morocco has begun, and the team is determined to make their mark on the global stage.
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