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Zambian leader congratulates U20s over World Cup qualification

Xinhua, March 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday congratulated the country's Under-20 national soccer team for qualifying to the 2017 Under-20 FIFA World Cup tournament to be held in South Korea.

The Junior Chipolopolo qualified for the World Cup tournament after a 6-1 mauling of Mali in the second game of Group A during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the National Heroes Stadium on Wednesday. Zambia beat Guinea 1-0 during the first game.

"On behalf of government and the entire soccer fraternity in Zambia, let me congratulate the Under-20 national team for their 6-1 victory against Mali in the ongoing tournament. With this victory, Zambia has qualified for the Under-20 World Cup tournament to be held in South Korea," Lungu, who is currently on a state-visit to Israel said on his Facebook page.

The Zambian leader said he was proud of the honor the team has brought to the country, adding that the victory was not just for the players and the technical bench but for the entire country.

He has since pledged his government's commitment to support the development of sports in the country.

The AFCON Under-20 tournament started on March 26, with two groups playing at two venues. Zambia is in Group A alongside Guinea, Mali and Egypt while Group B comprises Cameroon, South Africa, Senegal and Sudan.

Winners of the group and the runners-up will proceed to the semi-finals and automatically book a ticket for the World Cup. Endit