We Should Fight to Prove Ourselves – Sakala

Zambia national team captain Fashion Sakala has called on the Chipolopolo to rise to the occasion and prove themselves when they face world champions Argentina national football team in an international friendly in Buenos Aires.

Zambia will take on Argentina on March 31 at the iconic La Bombonera Stadium, in what is expected to be a stern test for Zambia national football team.

Sakala says the team is not intimidated by the global giants but instead sees the match as an opportunity to compete and grow.

“We are not afraid of them. Obviously, it is a pleasure and a privilege for us to play against them. But we just want to learn from them and we have a lot of young players in our team. We are very excited to meet some of the great players,” he said.

The Al Fayha forward emphasized the need for determination and resilience against the South American side.

“Honestly for me I think what I am expecting is the fighting spirit. We just have to go there and fight and prove ourselves that we can also do it against the world champions,” Sakala said.

Meanwhile, winger Albert Kangwanda described the fixture as a major motivation for the squad, highlighting the chance to face some of the world’s best players.

“It means a lot. Individually it is a morale booster because you are playing the likes of your idols… It will motivate us a lot because we are playing the world champions,” Kangwanda said.

He added that sharing the pitch with top stars such as Lionel Messi will inspire players to elevate their performances.

Coach George Lwandamina has named a 23-member squad blending local and foreign-based players for the high-profile encounter, which offers Zambia a rare chance to test itself at the highest level of international football.