Zambia will this afternoon be looking to seal their semi-final spot when they go head to head with neighbors Malawi in their final group B match at the 2020 COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship in Port Elizabeth.

The Young Chipolopolo are top of the Group with six points from two wins, followed by Namibia and Malawi on three points. Tail-enders Comoros have already been eliminated after losing two games.

While a draw will be enough for Perry Mutapa’s charges, Malawi need a win leading to Mutapa urging his players to go for an outright win which will see Zambia joining Mozambique and Angola who have so far qualified to the semi-finals of the competition.

“It is always a tricky encounter against Malawi who we have played a lot of games at both junior and senior level. It has always been difficult and always a tight call with very small margins separating the two teams. We want to go for a win because if we go for a draw we may lose,” said Mutapa.

“Our target going into today’s game is an outright win so we are taking it very seriously because this match is different from the ones we have played so far, it will determine how far we will go in this tournament.”

Mutapa has urged fans to rally behind the boys who are just establishing their careers.

“I think this is the level where Patson Daka blossomed, we should just give chance to these guys and always support them because this is where they start their careers. If we do well and qualify to AFCON who knows what will happen maybe some players will go abroad which is good for them and good for Zambia because we will always have a stronger national team.”

Since 2016, Zambia and Malawi have met four times; winning (Zambia) three and drawing one – scoring seven goals and only conceding one.

Mutapa is expected to start with Patrick Chooma in goal while Golden Mafwenta, John Chishimba, Mathews Chabala and Andrew Phiri are likely to make up the back four.

Muma Mumba is likely to start in the defensive midfielder role. Mutapa is spoilt for choice in the middle of the park with Prince Mumba, Joshua Mutale and Patrick Gondwe all available for selection.

Upfront Jimmy Mukeya is likely to return to partner either Ricky Banda or Derrick Bulaya.

Only the top team in each pool as well as the best-placed runner-up advance to the semifinals, while the two finalists at this year’s competition will win a place at the 2021 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations.

The top four sides in Mauritania will win a place at the World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from May 20-June 12, 2021.

TODAY’S FIXTURES

Group B

15:30hours – Zambia Vs Malawi | Wolfson Stadium

15:30hours – Namibia Vs Comoros | Gelvandale Stadium

Soka25east.com