Zambia Under 17 coach George Chilufya says they are heading to Morocco 2021 AFCON U17 to make a quarterfinals debut.
Young Chipolopolo return to the AFCON U17 for only the second time in history after making their tournament debut at Niger 2015 where the team, that would eventually win the 2017 AFCON U20 as hosts, made a group stage exit.
“The message is clear they are aware that there is a team that participated at the same tournament unfortunately we did not come out of the group,” Chilufya said.
“And now, our focus is on coming out of the group and that will give us direction.”
Nkana and Napsa head into Sundays pre-group stage deciders with home and away victories respectively.
Nkana are away in Morocco following a 2-0 home victory over continental debutants Tihad Casablanca on February 14 in Kitwe.
A draw will suffice in this late Sunday night kickoff in Casablanca to see them through to the group stages that will kick-off on March 10.
Qualification will also see Nkana return to league phase action since their last continental outing in the 2018/2019 season when they reached the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.
Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu has kept faith in the same starting XI but legendary striker Ronald Kampamba and Zambia Under 20 defender Justin Mwanza were dropped for the trip.