Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant says Zambia will go all out for victory when they face Niger in their final Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier, describing the match as an important step in the team’s long-term process of growth and consistency.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Grant said the technical bench and players were fully focused on ending the campaign on a high and maintaining momentum ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
“We played a game against Tanzania, but we have one more game, and this is the last game also before Africa. So we want also to win this game,” said Grant.
“Niger is a very good team; they are three points ahead of us. But if we win, we will be in second place. What is important for us is to show good mentality, good football, and get the three points.”
The Israeli-born tactician praised the spirit in camp and the competition across all positions, particularly among the goalkeepers.
“I think we have in the squad now very good goalkeepers. They are more or less the same. Charles Kalumba was fantastic against Kenya, and the young goalkeeper who played in the last game also did well. It’s good to have such competition.”
Grant reaffirmed his belief in the team’s steady progress, pointing to Zambia’s improved performances over the past year.
“Zambia is a process. Our target is to be among the best teams in Africa, and we know where we are now. We were ranked third before the African; we want to be two, and maybe more. But for this we need actions,” he said.
“I believe in the process and in action, not just words. In the last seven games since we lost to Ivory Coast, we won five, drew one, and lost only to Morocco. The team is improving, and the mentality is good.”
Grant added that the ultimate goal remains building a strong, competitive Chipolopolo capable of challenging for both the Africa Cup and World Cup qualification.
“To be in the World Cup, you need to create a strong team. It’s not easy, but step by step you will see a team that will be there. You don’t push a button; you need to work on and off the pitch,” he said.
