LATE DEPARTURE RAISES U23 CONCERNS
Concerns have been raised over Zambia’s Under-23 national team’s travel arrangements ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Olympic qualifier against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Former Chipolopolo attacking midfielder Clifford Mulenga has questioned the team’s preparation window after the Junior Chipolopolo only departed Lusaka aboard a chartered flight on Wednesday, leaving limited time for recovery and match preparations.
Mulenga noted that the team faced a seven-hour flight, meaning the players would have very little time to recover, acclimatise and prepare before kick-off.
With the match scheduled for 20:00 hours Zambian time, the tight turnaround raises questions about how effectively the players can manage travel fatigue and adjust to the conditions in Burkina Faso.
The team’s medical and performance departments will be particularly important in managing hydration, nutrition, sleep, muscle recovery and general player welfare ahead of the encounter.
FAZ EXPLAINS TRAVEL DELAY
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has issued a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the team’s delayed departure.
In a statement issued by Head of Media and Communications Nkweto Tembwe, FAZ said it had engaged Government to facilitate chartered air transport because the two legs of the qualifier were scheduled just four days apart.
Government responded to the request and secured a chartered aircraft, which was initially scheduled to depart in the early hours of Monday, November 9, 2026.
However, the departure was delayed after the charter company failed to secure the necessary overflight clearances from some countries along the planned route.
FAZ said the team had since boarded the aircraft and was airborne en route to Burkina Faso.
The association regretted the inconvenience caused by the delay and acknowledged concerns raised by supporters over the travel arrangements.
FAZ further maintained that every effort had been made to facilitate the team’s timely departure, adding that the delay was beyond its control.
The association also thanked Government for its intervention and continued support towards the national teams, assuring the nation that it would continue monitoring the team’s journey.
MATCH DETAILS
Fixture: Burkina Faso U23 vs Zambia U23
Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Venue: Stade du 4 Août, Ouagadougou
The focus now shifts to how quickly the Junior Chipolopolo can recover from the journey and deliver a positive result in this important qualification encounter.
