Mutapa admits Zambia will face difficult task against Malawi

Zambia national team will face Malawi in the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, with a clear target of a winning start at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana.

The Chipolopolo Boys arrived early in Francistown and have utilised the time to settle and prepare.

OSWARD MUTAPA NAMES BOTSWANA FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT SQUAD!

NOTE: Draws for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament will be held today.#WeAreChipolopolo pic.twitter.com/eaXbDtzJqO

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) March 24, 2026

Assistant coach Osward Mutapa said during a pre -match press conference that the team is ready after the initial training sessions.

Zambia have settled well in Botswana

“We have settled and had three sessions so far. Coming early helps us settle quickly and prepare well because this is an important tournament for us,” Mutapa said as quoted by FAZ Media.

Mutapa said despite Zambia travelling with a youthful squad, the objective of competing and winning remain intact.

“We have come with a youthful side, but our ambition is always to try and win games,” Mutapa added.

Malawi is more experienced

Mutapa who described the Flames of Malawi as experienced opponents, warned of a tough contest but backed his players to rise to the occasion.

“Malawi is more experienced, but our young players have the desire to compete. It’s a derby against our neighbours, so it will be tough, but we need to give it our all,” said Mutapa.

Vice-captain Golden Mashata said the camp is upbeat and focused ahead of the match.

“We are settling well, the morale is high and we believe in ourselves. We are here to compete and will take each game seriously,” Mashata said.

Pasuwa warns Malawi against complacency

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa has warned his side against complacency despite Zambia fielding a young team.

“If we win, people will say we beat a B side. If we lose, they will question how we lost to a B side. So we need to stay focused and fight for results,” Pasuwa said.

He said his squad, which includes foreign-based players, is aiming to compete strongly and measure progress in the tournament. The two sides renew their rivalry in what is expected to be a close contest.

Their last meeting was on March 26, 2024, in a Four Nations Tournament in Malawi, where Zambia won 2-1 through goals from Patson Daka and Clatous Chama.