Bakala, U17 Coach, Expresses Opinion n U17 AFCON Draw

Ian Bakala, coach of the Zambia Under-17 Men’s National Team, states that his team is not intimidated by being drawn against South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco in the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Algeria. T

he champions of COSAFA recently defeated South Africa in the Region V Games in Lilongwe and have confidence in their abilities to face these opponents again in Group B at the AFCON from April 29 to May 19, the tournament serves as a qualifier for the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Peru.

Bakala acknowledges that some replacements may be needed in the team but he is confident in their preparation and ability to challenge for the trophy and qualify for the World Cup.

Despite Group B being referred to as the “group of death,” Bakala is not under pressure and views the AFCON as a different game.

The semi-finalists in Algeria will secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup in Peru.