ZAMBIAN striker Fashion Sakala believes the forthcoming international friendly match against World champions Argentina will be a learning platform and also a stage for young players to also market themselves.
The Saudi Arabia based player said the Chipolopolo team is not afraid of Lionel Messi’s side.
Sakala said this as Zambia began its preparation for the high profile game slated for Saturday March 31 in Buenos Aires.
“We are just excited to play against the best players. We are not afraid of them obviously it is a pleasure and a privilege to play against them,” Sakala told the media.
Despite the odds that may seem to be against them, Sakala said he is expecting the team to have a fighting spirit
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina says the Argentina game will provide his players with a good platform to face top level competition.
Speaking after the team training at the University of Lusaka, Lwandamina said while playing the world champions would be a monumental task, it will give the team a great learning platform.
“It will be a very difficult task, playing the world champions and we have never qualified to the world cup, but it is a well-received invitation so that we expose our boys to that level of football,” he said.
Lwandamina added that the team sent to Argentina will comprise mostly tested players that have proved their mettle in Zambian colours.
Final squad
GOALKEEPERS: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)
Kalemba March 24, 2026
