Zambia U23 vs Malawi - Friendlies

The Friendlies returns to the home ground on March 28, 2026, where Zambia U23 and Malawi will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. How smooth can you be when receiving the ball, how quickly can you move from the back foot, hips open, face forward and find quality with the pass.

There is little to choose between Zambia U23 and Malawi on paper, and the Friendlies encounter should reflect that balance. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Malawi will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Zambia U23 may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Malawi have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. It meant City had a three-man defence of Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ruben Dias when in possession.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer M. Sabitzer, with 3 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The ex-AC Milan midfielder superbly set up Ait-Nouri's opener before he restored City's lead with a fine low finish across goal from Semenyo's inventive backheel assist.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Friendlies picture. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.