The Zambia national football team has been encouraged to rise to the challenge ahead of their international friendly against world champions Argentina, in a match officials say could mark a significant moment for the country’s football future.
The Chipolopolo are set to face Argentina on Tuesday evening in Buenos Aires, with Zambian officials describing the encounter as an opportunity to demonstrate progress on the global stage.
Batseba Ngwenya, First Secretary for Political and Consular Affairs at the Zambian Embassy in Brazil, delivered the message during a visit to the squad at their hotel on Sunday.
“It will be a tough match playing the world champions, but I want to remind you that football is played on the pitch and is not always determined by reputation,” Ngwenya said.
She urged the players to maintain belief, discipline and confidence as they prepare to take on one of the strongest teams in world football.
The fixture has also been framed by the Zambia football leadership as more than a routine friendly.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba described it as a potential turning point for the national side, amid efforts to rebuild the sport.
Mweemba acknowledged that the current state of Zambian football has fallen short of expectations, but stressed the importance of focusing on recovery rather than past disappointments.
“Zambian football has dropped to levels where no one can be proud. But we must unite and rebuild the game through what I am calling ‘Operation Making Zambia Great Again,” Mweemba said.
He expressed confidence that ongoing reforms could help restore the country’s footballing stature, with the Argentina match seen as an early test of that ambition.
Support for the team’s rebuilding efforts was echoed by FAZ Technical Committee vice chairperson Kalusha Bwalya, who said the invitation from the Argentine Football Association reflects growing confidence in FAZ.
Meanwhile, team captain Fashion Sakala reassured supporters that the squad is ready for the challenge. He thanked Ngwenya for her encouragement and said the players were determined to represent the country positively.
The match will take place at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires, with kick-off scheduled for 20:15 local time (01:15 Wednesday Zambian time).
The encounter offers a rare opportunity for the visitors to test themselves against the reigning world champions, while also signalling their intent to re-establish themselves on the international stage.
Zambia will be the second African nation Argentina will face after defeating Mauritania.
After the game, Mauritania players were seen queuing up for Messi’s jersey, a feat that will most likely resonate with Zambia.
