Chilimina backs Zambia to deliver against Egypt in U20 AFCON

Dennis Kegengo
May 1
2 min read

Photo Credit - Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Zambia U-20 team midfielder Philimon Chilimina shrugged off claims that the team is under pressure heading into their next U-20 AFCON group match against hosts Egypt on Saturday.

The Young Chipolopolo led by head coach Boyd Mulwanda, will be hoping to make amends after their frustrating 0-0 draw against debutantes Sierra Leone in their Group A opener at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.

“Training so far is looking good, and everyone is looking forward to face Egypt, the pressure will always be there, looking at the past games that we have played, we are looking forward to win the next game, the pressure will always be there, like I said, but it is up to us players, to manage and contain pressure,” Chilimina told FAZ Media.

“As players, we are just encouraging each other, to work extra hard and play for the badge. And we will definitely win the next game.”

“The draw wasn’t the result that we wanted, but in football we have three results available: there is lose, win and draw. So we are happy for the draw, and we are focused to face Egypt [...] as players we already believe in ourselves, and we will do it, we will deliver against Egypt on Saturday.”

On Wednesday, South Africa reignited their hopes of progressing to the next stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over tournament debutants Tanzania at the Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday.

After losing their opener 1-0 to hosts Egypt, the Amajita responded with determination, securing all three points thanks to a 27th-minute winner from Shakeel April, who was a constant threat throughout the contest.

The victory lifted South Africa back into contention in the group, while Tanzania, making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021, were left to rue missed chances in a spirited second-half display.

Sierra Leone, who stunned hosts Egypt 4-1 are leading the pile with four points, Egypt are second on three, South Africa third on three while Zambia remain last with one point.