Lusaka, Zambia – (African Boulevard News) – Zambia’s Under-17 football team is ready to make their mark on the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite being considered underdogs in a tough Group B, head coach Ian Bakala says they are not worried and are eager to create their own history.
Bakala, who is leading the team for the second time at the tournament, expressed his confidence in his players ahead of their opening match against Guinea on July 14th.
“We are here to compete and make our own history. We know we’re in a tough group, but we’re not worried about the underdog tag. We’ll give our all in every game and aim to make our nation proud,” Bakala said.
Zambia’s last appearance at the U17 AFCON was in 2017 when they reached the semi-finals. This year, they are drawn in a tough group that features Guinea, Cameroon, and hosts Morocco.
Despite the challenge ahead, Bakala believes his team’s strength lies in their unity and determination.
“We have a good mix of experienced players who were part of the team that reached the semi-finals in 2017, as well as some promising youngsters. Our strength is our unity and determination to succeed, and we’ll fight until the end,” he added.
The U17 tournament is seen as a crucial platform to showcase young talent, and many players have gone on to have successful careers at both the club and international level. The tournament also provides an opportunity for teams to qualify for the U17 World Cup, to be held in Peru next year.
Zambia’s Bakala is not the only coach aiming for success at the tournament, with many of his counterparts expressing similar ambitions.
“We’re here to compete, and our aim is to go as far as possible. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge,” said Cameroon coach Anicet Mbarga Foe.
The U17 AFCON begins on July 13th, with the final set to take place on July 31st. The tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent from across the continent, with many eyes on Zambia’s progress as they strive to make their own history.
In conclusion, Zambia’s head coach Ian Bakala is determined to make his team’s presence felt in a tough Group B of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations. With a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, he believes his team can achieve success and make their nation proud. Other coaches share his ambition, and the tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent from across the continent.
