A top South African official has been appointed to handle Chipolopolo’s prestigious international assignment, with Venezuelan referee Alexis Herrera set to take charge of Zambia’s high-profile friendly against world champions Argentina.
The much-anticipated match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the iconic La Bombonera in Buenos Aires. It serves as a crucial send-off fixture for Lionel Scaloni’s side as they conclude their home preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Experienced Hand on the Whistle
Herrera, one of Venezuela’s most respected referees, brings a wealth of continental experience to this glamour tie. A FIFA-listed referee since 2017, the 36-year-old has officiated in South America’s biggest competitions, including the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, World Cup qualifiers, and Copa América. Known for his firm and disciplined style, Herrera is highly regarded by CONMEBOL for handling high-pressure matches involving top clubs and national teams.
Big Stage Appointment
This appointment represents another significant milestone in Herrera’s career, having previously taken charge of high-profile encounters such as Lanús versus Flamengo in the CONMEBOL Recopa Sudamericana, Brazil against Chile in a World Cup qualifier, and Bolivia versus Uruguay in the Copa América. His selection for the Zambia versus Argentina clash further highlights the importance of the fixture, as Chipolopolo prepare to face one of the strongest teams in world football on Argentine soil.
Match Officials and Preview
The full team of officials includes Assistant Referees Lubim Torralba and Alberto Ponte (both from Venezuela), with Argentine Leandro Rey Hilfer serving as the fourth official.
For the youthful Chipolopolo squad, the friendly presents a stern test against the reigning world champions.
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Kick-off is set for 20:30 local time in Buenos Aires, which translates to 01:30 Zambian time on Wednesday morning, as Zambia step onto one of football’s grandest stages to face Lionel Messi and company.
