Lwandamina explains importance of Zambia versus Argentina friendly

Zambia national team interim coach George Lwandamina has discussed the importance of facing world champions Argentina in a friendly during the FIFA International break in Buenos Aires.

The friendly will be played at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The historic clash between Zambia and Argentina is a monumental opportunity for the Chipolopolo to compete with the very best talents in the global game.

CHIPOLOPOLO IN TITANIC FIFA WINDOW CLASH! #WeAreChipolopolo, #Argentina, #FIFAWindow pic.twitter.com/j7mV5PziZB

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) March 21, 2026

FAZ have already assigned the Chipolopolo for the Argentina clash under the stewardship of head coach George Lwandamina while Osward Mutapa will lead a team comprising local players and some top youthful talents that will form part of the Olympics team at the Botswana 4-Nations Tournament.

Speaking for the first time about the Argentina friendly, Lwandamina said those, who will be involved have what it takes to get a positive result.

‘It will be platform for learning process’

“It’ll be a very difficult task playing the world champions, and you know we have never even qualified for the World Cup, but it is a well-received invitation so that we expose our boys to that level of football,” said Lwandamina as quoted by Bola News.

“I’m sure it’ll be a platform for learning purposes: how to fight and how to play big names. That is the platform that we are going to, nothing more than that”

‘Not an embarrassment if Zambia lose’

Zambia FA boss Keith Mweemba has urged the Chipolopolo not to be under any pressure during the friendly.

“They should not put themselves under unnecessary pressure. It’s not an embarrassment to lose. Zambia being beaten by Argentina. How can that be an embarrassment?” said Mweemba.

“Everybody expects Argentina to beat Zambia, but I think the people should be able to see; is there something we’re seeing? How have we lost? I think that’s what is important.”

“We can lose. We can’t win all the games, but let’s lose with respect, with dignity. Let’s see the effort. Let’s have a team with discipline and see the effort on the field of play. We lose, hard luck, but we learn. Every setback is a success for me.”

Zambia will use the Argentina friendly and Four Nations tournament to prepare for qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which kickoff in September. Qualifiers for the Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda AFCON 2027 will take place in rapid succession from September-November.

Argentina is the reigning men’s world champion, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. They are currently holders of the title until the next tournament in 2026. Brazil holds the record for the most World Cup titles with five (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002).

Zambia squad;

(Goalkeepers); Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Patrick Chooma (Nkana).

(Defenders); Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Dominic Chanda, Khondwani Chiboni (both Power Dynamos), Yoram Chanda, (Kabwe Warriors), Tinklar Sinkala, Frederick Mwimanzi (both Zanaco), Brian Chilimina (Red Arrows), Mathews Banda (Bohemians-Czech Republic), Joseph Mulenga (Nchanga Rangers), David Hamansenya (SK Artis Brno-Czech Republic), Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic.

(Midfielders); Given Kalusa, Kelvin Mwanza (both FC Muza), Humphrey Bwembya, Francis Banda (both Kabwe Warriors), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Frederick Mulambia, Owen Tembo (both Power Dynamos), David Simukonda (Cleopatra-Egypt), Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy), Obino Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany).

(Forwards); Patson Daka (Leicester-England), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Pascal Phiri (Pyramids-Egypt), Chanka Zimba (Inverness, Caledonian Thistle-Scotland), Elia Mandanji (Zanaco), Kingstone Mutandwa (SV Ried-Austria), Abel Nyirongo (Atletico), Jack Lahne (Lustenua-Austria).