By SANDRA MWILA –
REPUBLICAN President Edgar Lungu says investment in the Zambia Under-20 team has started to bear fruit.
The President said this in an interview after watching Zambia beat Guinea 1-0 that he was impressed with the performance.
Mr Lungu, who also watched the first game between Egypt and Mali, said the investment in the Zambian team has began to bear fruit.
“It is proving that the investment in soccer should be in the young ones. If we invest more, we have a chance of making it in years to come,” Mr Lungu said.
The Beston Chambeshi coached side had adequate preparations going into the tournament having camped in Spain for about two weeks and played the likes of Barcelona youth side, Tenerife and Basel FC.
Meanwhile, fans packed the Heroes National Stadium to the rafters as the AFCON finals kicked off in Lusaka with the home side giving the fans, who stormed the stadium as early as 09:00 hours, something to cheer about.
Not even the rains could make them scamper as they cheered on the team to ensure the boys got the deserved win and sight sets on qualifying for the World Cup finals.
There was tight security at the gates as police officers ensured there is order at the stadium as they had a tough time handling a horde of fans that was in a hurry to be in the stands to cheer the team.
There was jubilation when the home side arrived at the stadium around 12:50 hours as President Lungu officially opened the Total sponsored AFCON tournament 10 minutes later.
Despite the low key opening ceremony, fans cheered on the performances of the Nyau dancers from Katete while renowned artist Jordan Katembula (JK) with his crew performed the AFCON tournament theme song as fans sang along.
Mr Lungu, who was dressed in Chipolopolo attire, was with CAF president Issa Hayatou, Sports Minister Moses Mawere and FAZ president Andrew Kamanga.
The President greeted the players then he officially opened the tournament as he excited the fans by jogging on to the field of play where he exhibited his hidden footballing skills by juggling the ball much to the joy of the fans.
Mr Lungu waved back at the crowed to show his appreciation as he went back to take his seat.