Zambia’s national team technical committee vice president Kalusha Bwalya has revealed how Chipolopolo secured a high-profile friendly against world champions Argentina at the iconic La Bombonera in Buenos Aires next Tuesday.
Bwalya told SABC Sport that initial talks were sparked after the South Americans learned they would be sharing a group with Algeria at the upcoming global showpiece in the Americas and wanted to test themselves against African opposition ahead of the tournament.
He said the Argentinian football association reached out to Zambia directly, describing the call as one that left him stunned given the stature of the opponents.
Bwalya confirmed that both sides will field their strongest available squads, adding that the match carries extra significance for the hosts as it is expected to be among the last opportunities for Lionel Messi to play at La Bombonera in front of a home crowd.
On the Zambian dugout, Bwalya backed interim coach George Lwandamina describing him as a battle-tested coach who had already proven his credentials by guiding the under-20 side to World Cup qualification.
While monetary details of the agreement were not disclosed, Bwalya indicated talks had been ongoing for some time. Despite Zambia’s absence from the World Cup, he insisted Chipolopolo would not be out of place when they step onto the pitch against the reigning world champions.
Source:SABC
