Former Chipolopolo defender Hichani Himoonde has called on the Zambia national team to play with passion and pride when they face Morocco in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match is scheduled for Monday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, with Zambia seeking a vital win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Himoonde’s comments ahead of Morocco’s match on Friday against Niger.

The Atlas Lions currently sit at the top of Group E with 15 points, with a win confirming their qualification to the global showpiece.

Regardless of Morocco’s result on Friday, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winner believes the match still holds immense importance for the Zambian side.

“Even if Morocco qualifies on Friday before meeting us, it won’t matter,” Himoonde told BolaNews. “What matters is our pride. We haven’t been performing well in our recent matches, and it’s time for the players to restore faith in the nation and the supporters.”

Zambia is currently third in Group E with six points, trailing both Morocco and Tanzania. With their recent form under scrutiny, Himoonde sees this as a chance for the team to make a statement.

“My encouragement to them is, play with passion, play with your heart and be at your level best. Every team is beatable, and together we can do it.”

Himoonde further expressed confidence in the team selected by coach Avram Grant, suggesting the squad is well-equipped to adopt an attacking strategy.

“The coach has called on a good side and looking at the players called into camp the coach looks like he will go all out attack,” he concluded.

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