THREE ZAMBIANS SELECTED FOR U20 AFCON CAF TOURNAMENT

07.06.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Zambia will have more than just a team to cheer for at the upcoming TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt – three of its top match officials have been named among the tournament’s officiating personnel.

Centre referee Hillary Hambaba, assistant referee Diana Chikotesha, and FIFA instructor Janny Sikazwe will all play key roles at the tournament, scheduled to run from April 26 to May 18, 2025.

Hambaba is one of only 14 centre referees selected from across Africa, while Chikotesha continues to build on her growing legacy after recently being crowned the 2024 CAF Best Women Assistant Referee. Her selection is a testament to her consistency and excellence on the continental stage.

Veteran official Janny Sikazwe, who famously officiated at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, has since transitioned into a mentorship role and will serve as a CAF/FIFA instructor during the tournament, helping to guide the next generation of elite referees.

On the pitch, Zambia's U-20 national team will also be in action, having qualified for the competition. The young Chipolopolo have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Senegal, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. The tournament will also double as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, making every match crucial.

With strong representation both on and off the field, Zambia is set to make a mark at Egypt 2025.