The African champions Zambia have been handed a tough opening match at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in May, following Wednesday’s draw in South Korea.

Zambia, who won their continental trophy on home soil on Sunday, have been drawn in Group C alongside Iran and Costa Rica and will also play twice former champions Portugal in their opening match on 21 May in Jeju.

Senegal, Guinea and South Africa will also represent Africa at the event in South Korea.

Click here for Under 20s World Cup fixtures from the Fifa website

Guinea have arguably the toughest group of the African contenders, being drawn in Group A alongside hosts South Korea, six-times winners Argentina and their old rivals England.

South Africa will be in Group D and will take on Japan, Italy and Uruguay whilst Senegal will take on Ecuador, USA and Saudi Arabia in Group F.

The 24 participants were seeded into four pots, and the teams were drawn by Argentine stars Diego Maradona (pictured) – who was on the winning team in 1979 and kissed the trophy as he brought it on stage in Suwon – and Pablo Aimar, a winner in 1997.

 

BBC