Former Chipolopolo midfielder Noah Chivuta has urged national team head coach Avram Grant to maintain consistency in squad selection as Zambia prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.
Zambia will regroup for their final two fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E qualifiers, facing Tanzania on October 8 in Zanzibar and Niger on October 12 in Ndola. Grant has named a 26-member provisional squad, which includes Nkana goalkeeper Patrick Chooma, who has earned his first call-up. Veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu and goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata are among the notable omissions.
Speaking to Bola News, Chivuta stressed the importance of using the remaining qualifiers not only to fight for qualification but also as high-profile preparation games for AFCON in December.
“It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves calculating our chances again, but we must never give up. Every game has its own importance. If we don’t qualify, these matches should serve as preparation for AFCON and the qualifiers beyond,” said Chivuta.
He emphasized that consistency will be key for the Chipolopolo.
“We shouldn’t experiment too much at this stage. Yes, it’s important to include players performing well at home and abroad, but the core should remain the same. That’s the group that will go to AFCON. Everyone who joins the national team should know how we play—it should be standard,” Chivuta said.
He added that consolidating the style of play built in recent matches will be more beneficial than wholesale changes.
“The approach should be 100% serious. These games will help us in many ways if we use them properly. Every game is important, so let’s give it everything and hope for the best,” Chivuta concluded.
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