Bwale summons U-17 goalkeeper, Hazel Nali to boost the U-20 squad

AS Zambia desperately plots to overhaul the 0-2 deficit against Equatorial Guinea in next weekend’s return leg, national Under-20 women’s coach, Charles Bwale has called up Under-17 goalkeeper, Hazel Nali to boost the squad.

Nali, who was part of Under-17 squad that made a historic qualification to the Costa Rica 2014 World Cup finals, comes into the squad as a replacement for the injured Chiko Nkhoma.

Zambia needs to score at least three  unanswered goals in Malabo to reach the next stage of the qualifiers.

Bwale said Nkhoma had been ruled out from the decisive match after sustaining an ankle injury in training on Thursday.

He also said Under-17 midfielder Irene Lungu and striker Helen Mubanga were also part of the squad preparing for the return fixture.

Alongside Nali, Lungu and Mubanga also played pivotal roles in the Under-17’s qualification to the World Cup finals.

Despite Nkhoma’s injury, Bwale propped up his charges and declared them ready for Equatorial Guinea.

The Zambian team is expected to leave for Malabo on Tuesday.

The winner between Equatorial Guinea and Zambia will face Ghana in the final round of qualifiers.

Africa will be represented by three teams at the Canada World Cup finals next year.

times of zambia