The Zambians will tour West Africa with games slated against two regional giants in Nigeria and Senegal.
Zambia's under-20 team are in a buoyant mood ahead of their tour of West Africa slated for later this month.
The young Zambians have wrapped up their training camp in Lusaka and are set to begin the tour that will see them play three matches in West Africa.
Zambia is preparing for the 2023 AFCON in Egypt later next month and have secured important pre-tournament matches as fellow Egypt-bound countries, Nigeria and Senegal.
The West African tour begins against Nigeria in Abuja with dates on January 27 and 30, as per Zambia-based Lusaka times.
The young side will then depart Nigeria for Dakar to face another giant, Senegal, on February 2.
Zambia need to face Nigeria, Senegal
Zambia booked a place in the U20 AFCON after lifting the 2022 COSAFA U20 Cup title and will represent the Southern region at the twelve-team tournament.
However, according to the coach of the side, it is important to face Nigeria and Senegal, for the first time, to raise the level of his boys.
“We were really in need of these friendly games and for some of the boys," coach Albert Mphande noted.
"It will be their first time to play against West African teams, it will give us some good position from where to start.”
Zambia returns to AFCON u-20
The Southern African champions are back in the junior AFCON for the first time since 2017, when they lifted the title.
The young Chopolopolo will be hoping to make their country proud in Egypt but will have to first overcome some strong opposition in their group.
Zambia is Group C where they will play Gambia, Tunisia and Benin in Alexandria.
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