U-17 World Cup: Zambia eager to set the ball rolling – Makinka

Zambia U17 Boys national team coach Dennis Makinka has predicted a tough encounter against Indonesia in their opening FIFA World Cup group fixture in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.

The Junior Chipolopolo will be making their long – awaited World Cup debut at FIFA’s youngest age-group tournament by facing the Asian side popularly known at home as the Young Garuda.

Speaking to FAZ Media, Makinka said his team has taken time to study Indonesia and come up with a tactical approach to deliver a strong start in Monday’s fixture.

Makinka, who described the match as “a big challenge,” said his side has a clear game plan to stop the Asians despite them having a psychological edge over Zambia having participated in the 2023 edition of the FIFA U17 World Cup that they hosted.

“Coming into this World Cup as first-timers and Indonesia have participated in the tournament before; it’s quite a big challenge. They have tested the waters and this will be our first time. Of course we have a plan; we’ve watched them play in the qualifiers. We will see how they will come at us and then decide from there,” said Makinka.

Makinka hints at sticking with regular starting XI

On whether he was facing any injury concerns, Makinka said: “…We’ll see because we have a few knocks, about two or three. We are still monitoring them. We’ll make that decision after tonight’s (Monday) training session. You know when you are working on something, you stick to it so that you see whether they are gelling. As it stands, we are trying to be consistent.”

Based on the last two friendlies against Mexico and New Caledonia, Makinka is likely to keep faith in Christo Chitambala between the sticks, with the backline of James Neene Sibeene, Levison Banda, Andrew Mwape, and Jonathan Kalimina expected to form the defensive wall.

Bongani Ndhlovu’s impressive work rate could earn him a starting berth, though Chimwemwe Nkotami is also in contention.  Kelvin Chipelu remains a strong contender for the right flank ahead of Robert Banda and Nthasi Malupande, while Felix Phiri looks set to marshal the midfield and dictate the tempo.

Mapalo Simute is expected to operate in his usual left-wing role to bring width and pace to the attack. Spain-based midfielder Lukonde Mwale is likely to add attacking flair and depth to the squad, with Steven Lungu providing similar creativity going forward.

Leading the line, Abel Salim Nyirongo, who impressed in the two friendlies in Dubai, remains the front-runner for the main striker role.  His pace and movement are expected to trouble the Indonesian defence, with Daniel Silubondeand Billy Daka ready to step in if required.

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