Fresh hope rises for Golden Eaglets after Zambia bid to host canceled U17 AFCON

Following the cancellation of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has made it clear it is ready to host the tournament. In a letter signed by FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala dated March 10th, FAZ has requested CAF to give it chance to host the competition. The Emergence Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on March 8th cancelled the tournament that was slated to take place in Morocco between March 13-31st. Some of the teams including Zambia had already arrived in Morocco. “Following the cancellation of the U-17 Afcon tournament in Morocco, we wish to express our interest to fill in the gap created by hosting the tournament in Zambia on dates to be approved by CAF,” stated the letter. “We firmly believe that we shall be up to the task drawing our strength from having successfully hosted the U-20 Afcon tournament in 2017 followed by the U-20 COSAFA tournament in 2019. We submit for your consideration and additional guidance as may be required,” stated Kashala. Zambia and South Africa qualified to represent the COSAFA region after tussling it out in the Zonal qualifiers. Twelve teams had qualified for the U-17 Afcon.