Zambia names squad for Africa Junior Championship

Zambia coach Chris Kaunda named a final 21-member U-17 squad for the Africa Junior Championship which will kick off next Sunday in Niger, the country's soccer governing body announced Saturday.

Kaunda declared his players ready for battle, adding that he was satisfied with the preparations the team has done so far.

"Our team has played more international games than any other team did. We have played Southampton, Italy, United States, Japan, Israel and some other teams. So I am very happy with our preparations," he said in a statement posted on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Facebook page.

The team participated in the Gauteng Games in South Africa as well as the Italian Youth Invitation tournament.

Players expressed confidence of winning the title despite the team making debut at the continental showpiece.

Zambia are in Group A with Guinea, Nigeria and hosts Niger, while Group B sees Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and South Africa.

The semifinalists will qualify for the World U17 Championship set for Chile in October.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Sikanyika, Jackson Kakunta, Albert Mwanza

Defenders: Prosper Chiluya, Salati Lungu, Wayne Museba, Gift Sikaonga, Edward Chimfwembe, Stephen Chulu, Alfred Chirwa

Midfielders: Victor Chungu, Musonda Siame, Edwin Chipile, Ngosa Sunzu, Enock Mwepu, Garry Mwelwa, Mwansa Mwila

Forwards: Pumulo Siwanga, Patson Daka, Kenny Sinkala, Peter Nyirenda. Endi