Young Chipolopolo Ready to Face Morocco, Uganda & Tanzania at U17 AFCON
The Zambia U17 Men’s National Team, fondly known as the young Chipolopolo, have been drawn into Group A of the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025. Their group rivals include the tournament hosts, Morocco, as well as Uganda and Tanzania—two teams that have shown remarkable progress in youth football across East Africa.
A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
This draw brings back memories for the Chipolopolo. In the last edition of the U17 AFCON, held in Algeria, Zambia faced Morocco and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat under the guidance of coach Ian Bakala. The experience from that encounter is sure to fuel their determination to turn the tables this time around. Facing Morocco again, especially on home soil for the hosts, will undoubtedly be a significant challenge for these young talents.
Group Dynamics: Tough Competition Ahead
In addition to Morocco, Zambia will have to navigate matches against Uganda and Tanzania. Both of these East African nations have been steadily improving their youth setups, making this group a tightly contested one. The COSAFA champions will need to bring their best game to secure crucial points in what promises to be an intense group stage.
High Stakes: A Road to the World Cup
The stakes could not be higher. The TotalEnergies CAF U17 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco from 30 March to 19 April 2025, not only crowns the best team in Africa but also serves as the qualification tournament for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. With the top 10 teams earning a spot at the World Cup as CAF representatives, every match becomes a stepping stone towards global recognition.
Looking Forward: Hope and Determination
For the young Chipolopolo, this draw is both a challenge and an opportunity. It is a chance to showcase their talent on a major continental stage and to learn from past encounters. The lessons from their previous match against Morocco will be invaluable as they prepare to take on not only the formidable hosts but also the rising teams from Uganda and Tanzania.
The journey to the U17 World Cup begins here, and the players know that their performance in Morocco could pave the way for a bright future in international football. The excitement is palpable, and fans across Zambia are eagerly anticipating every kick of the ball as these young stars write the next chapter in Zambian football history.
