The Chipolopolo were hoping for their second win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a stunning 4-2 win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday last week, but they had Niger in their way, who were desperate for their first win after losing their opener 1-0 to Tanzania.

The Zambian defense went to sleep only six minutes into the game as Amadou Moutari found himself unmarked in the penalty box and scored the game’s first goal.

Zambia looked vulnerable in their defense in the early minutes of the game.

In urgent need of a goal, Lameck Banda fired from the right flank before the half-hour mark, but his shot hit the post and was saved.

And, 28 minutes into the game, Zambia’s defensive woes continued as Niger extended their lead through a Boubacar Goumey tap-in.

The Chipolopolo Boys were now 2-0 down and with the game going into halftime, the scores remained unchanged.

However, in the second half, Zambia appeared to be more organized and launched several attacks.

Lameck Banda again dribbled, squirmed his way past three defenders, and whipped in a cross to Chama, who struck with his first touch before Patson Daka pounced on the rebound to pull one back with a header in the 50th minute and make it 2-1.

Daka’s headed goal was his 18th for Zambia and now sits as the country’s outright ninth all-time goal scorer.

A little too late for Grant

66 minutes later, Avram Grant substituted Rodrick Kabwe for Zephaniah Phiri, while Clatous Chama was replaced by Golden Mafweta.

A little too late, the changes could not do much as the West Africans recorded a historic win over the 2012 African champions.

Meanwhile, the continent’s highest-ranked team, Morocco, began their campaign with a 2-0 in Tanzania to move into first position in group E with a game in hand.

The Atlas Lions, Zambia, Tanzania, and Niger all have three points, while Congo Brazzaville is the only side with no point in the group.

The qualifiers will resume next year in June after the Africa Cup of Nations.