Frankie Musonda expecting a tough match against Mali
Chipolopolo defender Frankie Chisenga Musonda believes the upcoming international friendly matches against Mali will help the team prepare for next year’s AFCON qualifiers.
The Scottish based defender says he is happy to be back with the team and meet everyone as they prepare for the two matches against the Eagles of Mali.
Musonda is anticipating a tough match against Mali which he hopes will give the team a base to start from with their AFCON qualification preparations.
“I always get very excited when I’m coming to meet the team again and to see everyone and catch up. Obviously, we’ve got two games ahead that we want to perform well in and to keep building and growing as a team and building connections and hopefully to reach our goals. This will help us prepare to qualify for the Africa Cup,” he said.
“Yeah, it’ll be a very tough, very strong side. Every game is a tough game and everyone has to be focused and prepared, Right. Got a good session today given the game is expected to be a tough game. A good opponent for us to give us more of a base to keep improving and to learn and to develop as a team,” he added.
Musonda who was born in Bedford, England from a Zambian father, and an English mother was cleared to play for the Zambia national team back in May.
This was after the approval of his Citizenship and the issuance of his Passport by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The AYR defender says he has now settled and has been welcomed into the team by the other players.
“I feel very settled, everyone has been very welcoming to me. It was really nice to get back to Zambia. I loved it. I really enjoyed it over there,” he said.
“Obviously, we’re in Mali now and met all the players this morning again, a couple of new faces, which is nice to see as well. The boys have proven themselves and are doing well getting a chance and yeah, it’s exciting.”
“Every time I get called up. It’s an honor for me and I just get excited to come in and see everyone. I just want to say thank you for your support. Keep supporting us and we’ll keep doing our best to wear the shirt with pride,” he added.
Zambia and the Eagles of Mali will square off on Friday at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako at 19:00 hours GMT (21H00 CAT).
Zambia will again play Mali on Monday, September 26th in the second A grade FIFA international friendly match.
The Chipolopolo are using the matches as part of preparation for the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that will take place next year in March.