The Chipolopolo Boys ended their winless run in 2025 with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Zanzibar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
After a tightly contested first half that produced few clear-cut chances, head coach Avram Grant made key changes at the start of the second half, introducing Kennedy Musonda and Lameck Banda for Obinno Chisala and Kelvin Kampamba.
With 72 minutes played, Power Dynamos goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga made a crucial save to deny Tanzania’s Abraham Morice following a powerful strike from inside the box.
Just two minutes later, Zambia struck on the counterattack. Captain Kabaso Chongo switched play to Lubambo Musonda, who brilliantly set up Fashion Sakala for a close-range tap-in that gave Zambia the lead in the 74th minute.
The goal marked Sakala’s 10th for Zambia in his 34th international appearance and camein his second match after his return to the team following a lengthy absence due to a fallout with Grant — a rift that has since been resolved.
Zambia remain fourth despite victory
Despite the victory, Zambia remain fourth in Group E with nine points, behind Tanzania (10 points) and Niger (12 points), who defeated Congo Brazzaville 3–0 on the same night to move into second place. Morocco have already secured the top spot with 21 points, while Congo sit bottom with just a single point.
Zambia must now defeat Niger on Sunday to keep their hopes of finishing second — and potentially sneaking into the playoffs — alive.
Unlike other qualifying groups that feature 10 matches, Group E has only eight after Eritrea withdrew from the campaign due to financial constraints. To ensure fairness in determining the four best runners-up across all groups, FIFA may apply a points-per-game system — a move that could give Zambia a fighting chance if they secure second place.
FIFA has yet to confirm the exact method it will use to determine the best second-placed teams from the qualifying rounds.
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