Zambia vs Malawi

Zambia and Malawi open the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament with a semi-final clash at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana. With the Chipolopolo's first-choice squad jetting to Buenos Aires for a prestige friendly against Argentina, assistant coach Osward Mutapa leads a young, domestically-based side into battle. Mutapa has drafted several U-17 World Cup stars including Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, with AFCON veteran Eliya Mandanji adding experience up front. Captain Abraham Siankombo anchors the midfield for the youthful Chipolopolo. Malawi look stronger on paper — coach Kalisto Pasuwa names 16 foreign-based players in his 25-man squad, headlined by Bundesliga starlet Mwisho Mhango of Hannover 96, who earns a first senior call-up. Midfield engine Blessings Singini misses out after a bout of malaria. The Flames' experience and squad depth should tell, but Zambia's fearless youngsters could make this closer than expected. Our prediction: 1-1