Zambia says ready to host junior Africa soccer tournament

Authorities in Zambia said on Thursday that the country was ready to host the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations as all the logistics have been put in place.

Minister of Sports Moses Mawere said most of the necessities needed to successfully host the tournament such as accommodation and security have been put in place, adding that the Local Organizing Committee was putting final touches to the preparations.

He told reporters during an update briefing on the preparations that a number of awareness campaigns have been done to raise awareness on the tournament.

On Wednesday, the Local Organizing Committee launched a theme song for the tournament which has been done by three local musicians.

Meanwhile, the head of the country's soccer governing body said the team was ready for the challenge during the tournament.

Andrew Kamanga, president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), said the team has received adequate preparations and expressed optimism that it will produce positive results.

This year's Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations is the 20th edition which is held biennially.

It will run from February 26 to March 12, 2017 and will be played in two venues, the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola City on the Copperbelt Province and the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the country's capital.

Host Zambia are in Group A alongside Egypt, Guinea and Mali while Cameroon are in Group B alongside Senegal, South Africa and Sudan.

The group winners and runners-up will advance to the semifinals and qualify for the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Endit