JUNIOR CHIPOLPOLOLO TOUCH DOWN IN BURKINA FASO AHEAD OF AFCON U23 QUALIFIER

by Saviour Simulindi

The Zambia Under-23 Men's National Football Team has safely arrived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, ahead of tonight's crucial first-leg encounter in the second round of the AFCON U23 qualifiers. The Junior Chipolopolo touched down at Ouagadougou International Airport at 04:00 local time, equivalent to 06:00 Zambian time.

The Chisi Mbewe-coached side departed Lusaka at 23:00 aboard a Kenyan charter plane provided for the team's travel. Upon arrival, the delegation was accorded a police escort from the airport to Palm Beach Hotel, where the team is currently accommodated.

Despite experiencing a delay in departure from Lusaka, the delegation has maintained high spirits, with team officials expressing confidence in the squad's determination to deliver a positive result for the country.

Delegation leader Jordan Maliti said the team's ultimate objective is to make Zambians proud, expressing optimism that the players will rise to the occasion. He also thanked the Zambian Government for providing the charter plane, saying the arrangement would help the team fulfil its back-to-back fixtures without unnecessary travel challenges.

Maliti, who also serves as FAZ Lusaka Province Chairperson, further commended the Burkinabè Football Federation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to the Zambian delegation upon arrival in Ouagadougou.

Zambia will face Burkina Faso tonight at Stade du 4 Août in the first leg of the second round of the AFCON U23 qualifiers. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 local time (20:00 Zambian time), as the Junior Chipolopolo begin their quest for a positive result ahead of the return fixture.