Spotlight on the Rising Stars of the 2023 U20 AFCON Squad

Spotlight on the Rising Stars of the 2023 U20 AFCON Squad

The 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations was widely regarded as a major disappointment by many fans and football stakeholders.

This sentiment was not entirely unfounded, considering Zambia’s performance across the three-game journey. The tournament began with a 1-1 draw against Benin, a match that showed promise but also highlighted areas needing improvement.

This was followed by a 2-0 defeat to The Gambia, where the team’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Finally, a 2-1 loss to Tunisia sealed Zambia’s fate, marking the end of their AFCON campaign.

However, despite the overall disappointing results, there were moments that showcased the talent and potential within the squad.

One such moment was Kingston Mutandwa’s stunning goal in the final game against Tunisia. His powerful strike from outside the box was a testament to his skill and determination, providing a glimpse of what he could offer in future competitions.

This goal was a rare highlight in an otherwise challenging tournament for the young Zambian side.

Reflecting on the tournament, it’s important to recognize the individual performances and growth of the players. While the team’s collective performance fell short of expectations, the experience gained by the young stars could prove invaluable for their future careers.

The 2023 U20 AFCON may not have delivered the desired results, but it served as a platform for these promising players to showcase their abilities and learn from the high level of competition