LUSAKA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- The head of Zambia's soccer governing body on Monday congratulated the under-20 soccer team for progressing to the final qualifying round of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Niger next year.

The junior Chipolopolo advanced to the final qualifying round where they will play Burundi over two legs after beating Rwanda 3-1 on aggregate in the second round of qualifiers.

Andrew Kamanga, president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), said his administration will do everything possible to ensure that the team prepares adequately for the next round.

The soccer governing body, he said, was mindful of the weight of expectations on the team's shoulders given the template set by the previous team which lifted the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title and reached the quarterfinals at the FIFA World Cup.

He urged the team to keep working hard and ensure that the 2017 champions earned the right to defend the title.

Zambia will host Burundi on July 13 for the first leg of the last qualifying round before trekking to Burundi on July 20 for the return leg. Enditem