Zambia is set to face Argentina in a highly anticipated friendly match on March 31 at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires.

This encounter, part of the March FIFA international matchdays, marks the inaugural meeting between the two nations and presents the Chipolopolo with a rare opportunity to test their skills against the reigning world champions.

Coach Moses Sichone plans to use this match as a chance to evaluate his squad in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team will kick off a domestic training camp next week, before heading to Argentina, where they will concentrate on their preparation and tactical adjustments.

The invitation to play Argentina necessitated a shift in Zambia’s plans, as they had already committed to participating in the Four Nations Tournament in Botswana.

To accommodate both events, the federation opted to send a local squad to the tournament while retaining the senior national team for this historic clash in Buenos Aires.

“We received an invitation to play Argentina, and it’s an opportunity we can’t afford to miss. When the world champions come calling, you answer. It’s a clear indication of the respect Zambia has earned on the global stage,” explained a federation spokesperson. However, since this match coincides with the Four Nations Tournament, they decided it was best to send their local team to Francistown.

The federation emphasised the Four Nations Tournament as a key platform for preparing their Olympic team. “With our Olympic participation confirmed, the tournament will help refine our squad selection, including both local and international players,” a spokesperson stated.

Following the friendly against Argentina, Zambia will focus on upcoming continental competitions, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The coaching staff aims to use the March matches to fine-tune the squad and evaluate player performance against local rivals and elite international teams.