Zambia not afraid of Argentina– Fashion Sakala

Zambia international Fashion Sakala has remained confident of taking on World champions Argentina in a friendly during the upcoming FIFA international break at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium.

Speaking ahead of the FIFA International friendly match between Zambia and Argentina, Sakala said the Chipolopolo will be looking to test themselves against the world champions Argentina.

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

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) March 21, 2026

Zambia and Argentina will face off in Buenos Aires on March 31 during the FIFA window with the world champions warming up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which kicks off in June.

‘We just want to learn from them’

“We are not afraid of them. Obviously, it is a pleasure and a privilege for us to play against them. But we just want to learn from them and we have a lot of young players in our team. We are very excited to meet some of the great players,” said the Al Fayha forward.

Sakala lightheartedly faced up to questions around facing Lionel Messi whose greatness divides global opinion with Sakala’s idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It is a privilege also for me that I played against one of the greatest players of all time. And I am going to meet Messi, obviously the rival of my GOAT, Cristiano,” added Sakala.

“But it is always a pleasure for me to meet these high-profile players and players who have done so much for the world. Honestly for me I think what I am expecting is the fighting spirit. We just have to go there and fight and prove ourselves that we can also do it against the world champions.”

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 camp has seen the arrival of striker Patson Daka, who arrived in the ahead of the team’s departure to Buenos Aires. Daka arrived alongside Egypt-based duo Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda, with the trio welcomed by team manager Charles Kalala.

All three players have since linked up with the squad in Lusaka.

Final Zambia squad to face Argentina;

Goalkeeper; Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).

Defenders; Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Domininc Chanda (Power Dynamos), Frederick Mwimanzi, Tinklar Sinkala (both Zanaco), Brian Chilimina (Red Arrows), Kondwani Chiboni (Power Dynamos).

Midfielders; Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Given Kalusa, Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), David Simukonda (Ceremica Cleopatra-Egypt), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh-Sudan), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Sctoland).

Forwards: Patson Daka (Leicester-England), Chanka Zimba (Iverness Caledonian Thistle), Kingstone Mutandwa (SV Reid-Austria), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Pascal Phiri (Pyramids-Egypt).