Zambian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has been ruled out of the Chipolopolo Boys’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tanzania tomorrow after sustaining a hamstring injury on September 27 during a Scottish Premiership clash between his side, Hibernian FC, and Celtic, which ended 0–0.
Chaiwa came off injured in the 46th minute and is now expected to be out for at least two weeks. He missed last Saturday’s league match against Hearts.
His coach, David Gray, said, “Miguel came off against Celtic with his hamstring. We sent him for a scan and that came back showing the injury wasn’t too significant, which is a positive. We will try and give him every chance, and he wants to give himself every chance too, which shows the character he is.”
The 21-year-old has been key in Zambia’s defensive role, having featured in all the World Cup qualifiers, including last month’s 2–0 defeat to Morocco at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Zambia will play Tanzania tomorrow before hosting Niger in their final qualifier in Ndola.
They currently sit fourth in Group E with six points and must win both games to stand a chance of finishing second and possibly participating in the playoffs. Tanzania have 10 points, Niger 9, while Morocco, who have already secured the top spot, leads with 21 points. Congo Brazzaville sits at the bottom, while Eritrea withdrew, leaving the group with just five teams.
READ ALSO: Mbesuma sends warning to Chipolopolo Boys ahead of Tanzania clash
