Zambia’s loss to Niger, according to former Chipolopolo coach Patrick Phiri, may be crucial in resolving the team’s issues before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Avram Grant and his technical bench now have something to worry about with just one month until the continent’s greatest football event.
In two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, they conceded four goals to Congo Brazzaville and Niger, respectively.
Although the strikers are playing brilliantly, netting five times in the last two matches, some commentators feel that the defense is still suspect because Ayr United defender Frankie Musonda is still out with an injury.
Even though the Chipolopolo have progressed under the former Chelsea manager, Phiri says in an exclusive interview with BolaNews that perhaps a setback is what the team needs to avoid complacency.
“Winning especially in football is always important but it sometimes makes you too comfortable thinking everything is okay,” he said.
“The loss will now give the technical bench an opportunity to spot the weaknesses going into the Africa Cup,” he added.
The former coach of the Green Buffaloes and Lusaka Dynamos has encouraged the players to hold onto their aim of making it to the World Cup, even if he thinks there is still a long way off.
“As it is now it’s not over. If they can beat us away from home, we can beat them here and if we can get a good result against Morocco home and away, we be in a good position to qualify. The key is to remain focused,” he said.
READ ALSO: Mafwenta rates Avram Grant’s performance as Chipolopolo coach.
The Chipolopolo will play their first game of the Africa Cup of Nations on January 17 against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
