CHIPOLOPOLO striker, Patson Daka has urged his teammates to embrace the challenge against world champions, Argentina with belief as Zambia steps up preparations for Wednesday’s international friendly in Buenos Aires.

Speaking after Monday evening’s training session, the Leicester City forward expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations since arriving in South America.

He praised the reception, training facilities, and hotel arrangements, while highlighting the intensity of the sessions as competition for starting places heats up.

“It’s been great so far. I think the reception has been amazing. Everything has been well, from the time that we arrived, I think everything has been going pretty well. Today’s training has been intense, everyone is really working hard. Everyone is pushing, everyone wants to start the game. We are pushing each other and I think it’s great competition that’s in the team right now,” he said.

Acknowledging the magnitude of facing Lionel Scaloni’s world champions, Daka emphasized the importance of self-belief while remaining realistic about the task ahead.

“It’s gonna be a very tough game. We know they’re the world champions and we just have to give our very best. It’s football and we have to believe in ourselves and to just make sure that whatever we do, we do it with pride and make sure that we give everything at the end of the dayday,” he said.

On the blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces in the squad, Daka stressed that the national team environment is welcoming for all, noting that no player is guaranteed a place.

“I don’t think there’s anything like being new. Football is the same everywhere. It’s just a different environment and with the national team, the group that we have, I think is very welcoming. Everyone who’s coming to join is feeling part of the group. No one is feeling segregated, which is very important because we are just as brothers,” said Daka.

“There are no guarantees here, so we just have to make sure we live in the moment and give the best that we can in order to maybe have the opportunity to come back again”.

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo midfielder Prince Mumba is facing a race against time to be fit for tomorrow’s game after suffering a facial injury during training in Buenos Aires.

The Power Dynamos star collided with a teammate during last evening’s session, casting doubt over his availability as Head Coach, George Lwandamina finalizes his squad.
Medical staff attended to Mumba on the pitch before rushing him to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

And team doctor, George Magwende provided a reassuring update, confirming the player remained conscious and oriented throughout the episode.

“He got a cut on the outer angle of his right eye during training. The bleeding was arrested while on the pitch by the medics, and he was helped off the pitch,” said Magwende.

Zambia faces Argentina on Wednesday in a historic friendly that will test the Chipolopolo against the reigning world champions.