Zambia U23 vs Malawi

The Mukuru Four Nations Tournament kicks off in Francistown with Zambia's development squad taking on a full-strength Malawi in Saturday's semi-final. The big story: Zambia's senior stars like Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala are in Buenos Aires to face world champions Argentina, leaving assistant coach Osward Mutapa to field a young, locally-based side. That hands Malawi a clear advantage. Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has named a strong 25-man squad with 17 foreign-based players, including exciting debutant Mwisho Mhango — the 18-year-old Hannover 96 winger who won the Golden Boot at the 2025 COSAFA U-20 Championship. Zambia's youngsters won't lack fight. Captain Abraham Siankombo leads a hungry group featuring U-17 World Cup veterans like Jonathan Kalimina, and Mutapa has praised their intensity in training. But facing a battle-hardened senior squad is a serious step up. Malawi's experience and depth should tell at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. Our prediction: 0-2.