Zambia U-17 first assistant coach Lameck Banda has emphasized his team’s determination to record at least one win in the ongoing COSAFA U-17 Championship as they prepare to face Madagascar in their final Group B match tomorrow.
The junior Chipolopolo have struggled in the tournament, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to South Africa in their opening match. They followed that with a 2-1 loss to Malawi, despite taking an early lead through Albert Kunda. These back-to-back defeats confirmed Zambia’s elimination from the competition and ended their hopes of qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Banda acknowledged that qualification was no longer possible but stressed the importance of finishing the tournament on a positive note. “It’s a game that we need to approach with seriousness,” he said. “The players must show commitment and demonstrate the skills we have been developing.”
The assistant coach highlighted that the match against Madagascar offers an opportunity for players to gain experience and showcase their talent on an international stage. He urged the team to focus on teamwork, discipline, and execution to secure a morale-boosting victory.
Despite the setbacks, Zambia U-17 remains focused on ending their COSAFA campaign with dignity. The final group match against Madagascar will serve as a platform for the young players to gain valuable exposure and build confidence for future competitions.
Banda concluded by emphasizing the importance of learning from their earlier performances. He noted that analyzing the losses to South Africa and Malawi would help the team correct mistakes, improve cohesion, and finish the tournament with pride.
Tomorrow’s encounter promises to test Zambia U-17’s resilience and determination as they aim to secure their first win of the COSAFA U-17 Championship.