Zambia U17 Boys Handball Team Risks Missing Africa Cup and IHF World Cup
- The continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from September 15-22, 2026, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, according to coverage from spnafricanews.com.
- Coach Kalunga has concentrated final training sessions on tightening the team's defensive structure following a string of group-stage exits in previous tournament editions.
Funding Deficit Threatens Continental Campaign
Tournament Stakes and Group Stage Opponents
The continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from September 15-22, 2026, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, according to coverage from spnafricanews.com. Zambia has been drawn into Group D alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Burundi.
Preparation efforts have meanwhile continued at the Zambia Sports Development Centre in Lusaka, where players are participating in a residential camp. Head coach Andrew Kalunga noted that morale remains high among the squad as training intensifies. The team is preparing well and, as you can see, the morale is high among the boys. They are much prepared for the tournament,
Kalunga said, as reported by spnafricanews.com.
Tactical Focus and Qualification Path
Coach Kalunga has concentrated final training sessions on tightening the team’s defensive structure following a string of group-stage exits in previous tournament editions. Having faced their group opponents previously, the technical staff believes prior encounters provide a strategic edge. Since we have played them before, we know how they play. This time, there’s a high possibility of winning,
Kalunga stated, according to spnafricanews.com.
A total of 14 national teams are slated to compete at the tournament, which features defending champions Egypt alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Rwanda. Beyond regional honors, the Abidjan competition functions as Africa’s official qualifying tournament for the 2027 International Handball Federation (IHF) Men’s Youth World Championship.
