Hemed Suleiman, Tanzania’s head coach, believes his team has a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Zambia 1-0 on Tuesday night at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium in Ndola.
Despite Zambia’s dominance in the game, Emmanuel Banda’s defensive error, misjudging his attacking opponent’s movement, allowed Waziri Muhudi to beat Lawrence Mulenga at the near post and put the visitors ahead four minutes into the game, securing victory for Suleiman’s Taifa Stars.
After the game, Suleiman, who took over from Adel Amrouche, who was fired after accusing Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) of controlling CAF in a televised interview on Algerian TV a few days before Tanzania’s opening match at the 2023 Africa Cup Nations, pointed out what he thought was the Chipolopolo Boys’ weakness.
“They [Zambia] have a weakness at the back,” he said. “Behind the back four, they have space, and when you are pressing them, they give you chances. We almost scored two.”
Tanzania is second in Group E behind Morocco, which leads with 9 points after defeating bottom-ranked Congo Brazzaville 6-0.
Zambia is fourth in the group with three points from four matches, while Niger is third with three points after two games.
Sulieman believes the race for a World Cup spot in the group is not over, and his team still has a chance to qualify.
“Morocco has more points but this is a race. We have so many games remaining. We will go back to training; this is not our end and I believe that we have something to sort out. If we sort it out, we’ll get a chance to go through.”
READ MORE: FIFA president comments on FAZ wrangles, HH tips him at statehouse
