Zambia has finally grabbed her first opportunity to stage a continental football showpiece as the Cabinet approved the nation’s hosting of the Orange CAF Africa Under-20 Championship in 2017.

Acting Chief Government spokesperson, Vincent Mwale made the announcement yesterday at State House when he briefed the Press on what Cabinet had resolved in their sitting on Monday this week.

The Cabinet meeting that made the approval was chaired by President Edgar Lungu.

Mwale, who is Sport Minister, said Cabinet resolved to approve that Zambia should host the 2017 Africa Under-20 Championship to promote the development of sport in the country.

Mwale said hosting such a tournament was a major milestone for the country and was a prerequisite for Zambia to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or the World Cup in future.