Zambia Under-20 face Ghana Under-20 in a must-win penultimate Group B match at the 2015 African Youth Championship today in M’Bour, Senegal.
Hector Chilombo’s side is lost their opening game on March 9 after going down 10 to Mali.
Defeat on Thursday will end Zambia’s interest at the Senegal tournament.
But a draw for Zambia against Group B leaders Ghana and the same result in game between second placed Mali on three points versus bottom positioned South Africa on zero points will keep their interest in the competition alive.
Ghana head into the game on a high after a 2-0 win over South Africa leaving Zambia with some hard work to do on Wednesday.
“We are hopeful of turning the tables and morale is high; we have to win in order to stay in contention,” Chilombo said.
“We lost against Mali but the game against Ghana will be different. We have prepared well and our focus is to win.
“Our objective is to qualify for the semi-finals and the FIFA U20 World Cup. The objective of winning the championship will follow after we reach the semi-finals.
“Our boys are fully focused on our objectives; as you can see that they have been singing and dancing, meaning that they have put behind the loss to Mali.”
Meanwhile, Chilombo has one injury concern with captain and midfielder Lubambo Musonda set for a late fitness test after limping off with an ankle injury in the game against Mali.