Zambia’s under-20 dates Malawi

Zambia Under-20 and Malawi Under-20 meet in Blantyre on Saturday in a 2015 African Youth Championship final round, first leg match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Both sides head into this Central African junior derby knowing that defeat this weekend will dim their prospect of qualifying to next year’s finals in Senegal.

Winner over both legs will book their place in the finals to be held in Dakar from March 8-22.

Malawi heads into the match on the back of an impressive qualifying run after eliminating Botswana from the first round 1-1 away and 2-1 at home before ejecting DR Congo 2-0 away and finishing 1-1 at home.

Zambia too are unbeaten but they only entered the race in the second round where they beat Mozambique 2-0 at home and away to advance to the final round qualifiers.

Malawi Under-20 coach Ernest Mtawali said he hopes his side can continue with the same form against neighbours Zambia.

“So far so good. We have no injuries and my boys are more than ready to take on Zambia,” Mtawali said.

“We are aware that it will be a tough match but at the of the 90 minutes we want to carry the day.”

Hosts Malawi may have no personnel issues but Zambia will be without midfielder and captain Lubambo Musonda who is away in Armenia after securing a one year deal with FC Ulisses this past week.

Chilombo will be banking on Nchanga Rangers midfielder Larry Bwalya and Konkola Mine :Police striker to step up and inspire Zambia to a crucial away result in the absence of the influential Lubambo.