The Zambia U23 Men’s National Team has arrived safely in Ouagadougou ahead of tonight’s clash against Burkina Faso.

The Junior Chipolopolo, who left Lusaka aboard a Kenyan charter plane at 23h00, touched down at Ouagadougou International Airport at 04h00 local time (06h00 Zambian time).

The Chisi Mbewe-drilled side was given a police escort from the airport and is accommodated at Palm Beach Hotel.

Delegation leader Jordan Maliti said that despite the delay in departure, the team remains in high spirits and is determined to make the country proud.

“Despite the delay in our departure, our hope at the end of it all is that the boys will be able to put a smile on the faces of Zambians. We thank the Government for providing us with the charter plane, which will help us fulfil the back-to-back fixtures without any challenges,” said Maliti.

Maliti, who is also FAZ Lusaka Province Chairperson, further expressed gratitude to the Burkinabè Football Federation for the warm reception and the hospitality extended to the delegation at the hotel.

Zambia will face Burkina Faso in the first leg of the second round of the AFCON U23 qualifiers at Stade du 4 Août, with kick-off set for 18h00 local time (20h00 Zambian time) tonight.