MICHAEL MIYOBA
Lusaka
ZAMBIA will today target making a statement when they face Libya in the opening Group A match at the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Zambia’s other Group A opponents are Morocco and Algeria.
Zambia head into the tournament following back-to-back defeats against Egypt in international friendlies played in Cairo last week.
Zambia lost 7-2 and 4-1.
The tournament also carries added significance as a qualifying pathway for the 2028 FIFA Futsal World Cup.
Zambia will be eager to make the most of the opportunity to challenge Africa’s leading sides and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The meeting with Libya will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in Zambia’s quest for continental recognition.
Zambia will look to captain Chota Chileshe, Musa Chiwaya and Royd Chishala to start with victory.
Meanwhile, Morocco will begin their title defence with ambitions of extending their dominance of African futsal.
The Atlas Lions are chasing a record fourth consecutive AfCON crown.
Morocco and Egypt currently share three titles apiece.
Group B comprises Egypt, Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The top two teams from both groups will advance to the semi-finals.
The tournament runs from October 12-21. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home