By GRACE CHAILE –
THE 11th edition of the Africa Junior Championship gets underway today in Niger with the Zambia Under-17 squad hoping for a win over Guinea in an evening kickoff to start the campaign on a sound note.
Zambia is making a debut at the continental junior championship that will run from February 15 to March 1 and also serves as qualifiers for the Chile 2015 FIFA World Cup finals.
The Chris Kaunda coached side will battle it out with hosts Niger and record winning holders Nigeria for a place in the semi finals where a place at the World Cup finals is guaranteed.
Niger take on Nigeria in a 15:00 hours kickoff of Group A of the tournament that comes a week after Ivory Coast were crowned champions of the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

• LACING UP FOR BATTLE….ZAMBIA Under-17 soccer players getting ready for a training session at Camp Baggagi Military ground in Niamey, Niger ahead of the start of the 2015 Africa Junior Championship today. Picture courtesy of FAZ

The young players are fully aware that stardom and excellent performances at these championships would not only bring them African junior glory but lay the foundation for potentially long and brilliant international careers.
Kaunda has declared his squad ready for battle while team captain Paston Daka said the team was not scared of any of its opponents.
He told fazfootball.com in Niamey after Friday night training session at Camp Baggagi Military ground that his lads have been ready for some time now and are just waiting for the first match.
“We have been ready for some time, remember this team has had so many games and the boys are mentally ready for the task on Sunday,” he said.
Kaunda is aware that winning the first match will give his side the confidence heading into the matches against the hosts and Nigeria.
Daka said the players will have to believe in themselves because they had what it takes to pick up good results off their opponents and secure a semi-final place at the competition.
“For us playing away from home is very okay because most of the games we have played have been away from home and I am confident we shall be up to the task in the first three assignments,” said the Nchanga Rangers striker.
Kaunda might pick on Daniel Sikanyinka in goal ahead of Jackson Kakunta and Albert Mwanza.
Prosper Chiluya, Salati Lungu, Wayne Musaba, Gift Sikaonga, Edward Chimfwembe, Stephen Chulu and Alfred Chirwa are all available for selection in defence to provide the necessary cover at the back.
In the midfielders Kaunda is not short of choice as he has Victor Chungu , Musonda Siame , Edwin Chipile , Ngosa Sunzu , Enock Mwepu , Garry Mwelwa  and Mwansa Mwila while Daka is already assured of a place but it will be seen who joins him upfront where Pumulo Siwanga, Kenny Sinkala and Peter Nyirenda are possible candidates.
Mexican tactician Sergio Fentanes has tipped the squad to reach the last four saying the players have been impressive.
Meanwhile, the team arrived in Niamey on Friday afternoon after a five hour trip from Ethiopia and was met at the Diori Hamani International Airport by officials from the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The temperatures in Niamey are averaging between 38 degrees and the team has been accommodated at Sahel Hotel.