Former Chipolopolo midfielder Noah Chivuta says missing key players ahead of crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone next month is a bad sign for a team chasing a qualification spot.
Zambia plays Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone on matchdays 5 and 6 of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Despite the Elephants topping the group on nine points, they will need a draw or maximum points to seal off qualification on match day 5 against Zambia.
After missing several key players such as Stophilla Sunzu, Patson Daka, Lubambo Musonda, and Edward Chilufya in the last international window due to injury, Avram Grant is unlikely to have a full complement of the squad, with Miguel Chaiwa ruled out until next year.
In an interview with BolaNews, Chivuta bemoaned the situation while stating that it would allow another player to step up and fit in the shoes of the unavailable players.
“Missing some key players in the team is not a really good sign, with Miguel Chaiwa coming, making his midfield role his own position at the moment. But he sadly got injured, and we’re going to miss him. But, as a nation, we shouldn’t be relying on one player,” Chivuta said.
“These things could happen to anybody. So, we have a lot of players back home who can raise their hands. This is an opportunity for another player who fills up that position.”
“It’s a tricky match”- Chavuta
Chivuta said it will be a tricky match against Ivory Coast, in which Zambia needs to avoid defeat.
“It’s a tricky one, and more especially playing at home. We really need a good result, not dropping all 3 points. Even if it’s a draw, that could be okay. We are playing the powerhouse, but they are beatable,” he noted.
The 2012 AFCON winner has advised Grant to do a thorough analysis of the next opponents, especially the Ivory Coast, which is Zambia’s immediate assignment at home.
“Advice to the coach; he must just plan well, Obviously, they’ve been working around the clock, watching their game, and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses,” stated Chivuta.
“We should adapt also to their strengths, and we should also come up with our own strategies for how we can really encounter their strengths for us to gain an upper hand.
“Our strength is also when keeping the ball, being patient to build up, and waiting for the opponents to come out and leave those openings, especially on the wings and behind; we have speed. We have players who are skilled. Speed—that’s our strength. So we must utilize it.”
