Zimbabwe vs Zambia U23 - Friendlies

The Friendlies returns to the home ground on March 31, 2026, where Zimbabwe and Zambia U23 will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. Manchester City face the K-League All-Stars in Seoul as part of their pre-season tour of Asia.

There is little to choose between Zimbabwe and Zambia U23 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. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Zimbabwe will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Zambia U23 will back themselves to cause problems on the break. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

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. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Trent Alexander-Arnold came in and produced a trademark assist, while Kylian Mbappe added to his midweek hat-trick against Real Sociedad with another goal here.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. 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. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.