Billy Mwanza, a former defender for Zambia’s national team, has urged the Chipolopolo Boys to view this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches as essential training for the December Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON).

On October 8, Zambia play Tanzania in, and on October 12, it will host Niger in Ndola.

Avram Grant, head coach of Chipolopolo Boys, has called up a reserve team to reassemble following this weekend’s league games.

Mwanza, Power Dynamos’ physical trainer, says Zambia needs to atone for the losses they suffered to Tanzania and Niger in earlier encounters.

“Tanzania beat us at home, while we lost away to Niger; we just have to win both games. These two games are also a good test for Chipolopolo ahead of the AFCON,” Mwanza said.

With Zambia’s chances of securing World Cup qualification now slim, Mwanza stressed that the team must focus on improving defensively and sharpening their attack in order to be competitive at the continental showpiece.

“We need to start defending well and scoring goals. It has been a long time since we kept a clean sheet,” he added.

Zambia will be making their return to the AfCON after qualifying for the second consecutive edition under Avram Grant.

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