Lwandamina Anticipates Tough Argentina Test as Chipolopolo Set for Historic Friendly

George Lwandamina says Zambia faces a daunting challenge against world champions Argentina’s national football team but believes the high-profile friendly will provide valuable exposure for his squad.

The Chipolopolo are set to face Argentina in an international friendly on March 31 at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium, following an invitation confirmed by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Speaking in Lusaka after a training session, Lwandamina described the fixture as a major test while expressing confidence in the players selected for the encounter.

“It will be a very difficult task, playing the world champions, and you’ve never even qualified to the World Cup, but it is a well-received invitation so that we expose our boys to that level of football,” Lwandamina said.

The veteran coach revealed that FAZ has split the national team into two squads to fulfil international commitments, with one side travelling to Botswana for the Four Nations Tournament and another heading to Argentina.

“It wasn’t an easy task to split the team, one for Botswana and the other one for Argentina. On the Argentina one, focus was on those who’ve been tested… those who have been playing in the national team and doing well in continental games,” he said.

Lwandamina added that the Botswana-bound squad will largely consist of youth players drawn from Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 ranks as part of a developmental programme.

Meanwhile, FAZ Acting General Secretary Iva Lengwe described the Argentina fixture as a “monumental opportunity” for Zambia to compete at the highest level.

“When the world champions come calling, you answer. It is a clear sign of the respect Zambia has continued to earn on the global stage,” Lengwe said.

The Argentina clash is expected to offer Zambia a rare chance to test itself against elite opposition while accelerating player development ahead of future international competitions.