Zambia U17 Set for FIFA World Cup Debut Against Indonesia
| Bola Yapa Zed | November 4, 2025 |
The Zambia Under-17 National Team will today make its long-awaited FIFA U17 World Cup debut when they face Indonesia at 17:45 CAT at Pitch 7 of the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar.
Head coach Dennis Makinka has declared his side ready for the Group H opener, expressing confidence that his boys can handle the pressure of performing on the global stage.
“We have prepared well, the boys are focused, and I’m happy with how our defence has improved, especially in the friendly matches we played,” said Makinka.
Zambia’s preparation included two solid test matches against Mexico U17 and New Caledonia U17, both participants at this year’s tournament, where the Junior Chipolopolo displayed good organization and defensive resilience.
Drawn in a tough Group H alongside Brazil, Indonesia, and Honduras, Zambia will rely on young finisher Abel Salim Nyirongo, whose pace and intelligent runs behind defenders have been key in recent games.
At the back, Christo Chitambala will stand between the sticks, shielded by a defence marshaled by Levison Banda, James Neene Sibeene, Jonathan Kalimina, and Andrew Mwape. In midfield, Felix Phiri and Robert Banda will anchor play, while Kalvin Chipelu and Mapalo Simute will provide width and creativity from the flanks.
For Indonesia, this marks their first-ever qualification through the Asian zone, after previously participating as hosts in 2023. During that edition, the “Young Tim Garuda” earned respectable draws against Ecuador and Panama, and lost 3-1 to eventual quarterfinalists Morocco.
Zambia, meanwhile, booked their ticket to Qatar after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following victories over Tanzania (4-1) and Uganda (2-1).
The stakes are high, as only the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16. Both nations will be aiming to register their first-ever win at this stage.
Match Details
Fixture: Indonesia U17 🇮🇩 vs Zambia U17
Tournament: FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 (Group H)
Venue: Pitch 7, Aspire Zone, Doha
Kickoff: 17:45 CAT | Tuesday, November 4, 2025
