Despite Zambia’s efforts to find a winner, they only walked away with a point on Friday, diminishing their chances of automatically qualifying for the continental showpiece in this window.
Here are the ratings of the Chipolopolo Boys in their stalemate against Chad.
GOALKEEPER
Lawrence Mulenga (6/10): The Copper Bullets injury woes worsened as Mulenga was stretchered off at 83 minutes following a head injury.
DEFENDERS
Benedict Chepeshi (6/10): Chepeshi was preferred over Israeli-based Gift Mphande for the second consecutive Chipolopolo game.
Kabaso Chongo (7/10): The Kabwe Warriors FC defender rolled back the years for the Copper Bullets, keeping Chad’s attack at bay.
Benson Sakala (6/10): Sakala reverted to his natural midfield role after 26 minutes, having started as a centre back.
Obino Chisala (6/10): Playing in a match deeper position than usual, the Mozambique-based midfielder delivered a couple of dangerous crosses into the box.
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (5/10): In a cruel twist for the Chipolopolo, the talismanic midfielder was forced off before the half-hour mark due to injury.
Kings Kangwa (6/10): In the 93rd minute, with the entire country’s hopes on his shoulders, Kangwa missed his free-kick attempt by a few inches.
Clatous Chama (4/10): Compared to his stellar performance at the Four Nations Tournament this year, the Chipolopolo skipper’s performance in the 2025 AfCON qualifiers has been subpar.
FORWARDS
Joseph Sabobo Banda (5/10): Donning Zambia’s iconic number 11 jersey for the first time since his youth career, Sabobo was not as electric as in his previous outing.
Kelvin Kampamba (6/10): The playmaker ramped his gears up in the final moments of the match as he tried to conjure a winner.
Kennedy Musonda (5/10): The Yanga SC striker failed to punish the visitors’ defence as a couple of half-chances went begging.
SUBSTITUTES:
Tandi Mwape (6/10): The ZESCO United defender came up big against his club teammate Amine Hiver, keeping the striker in check.
Songa Chipyoka (5/10): The winger fashioned a number of openings for the Chipolopolo Boys, but they were easily wiped out by the opposition defence.
Francisco Mwepu: (4/10): Mwepu won a crucial freekick in additional time that Kings Kangwa couldn’t convert.
Francis Mwansa (5/10): Now a regular starter for his club side Green Buffaloes FC, Mwansa came on for the injured Lawrence Mulenga and will be in contention to start the reverse fixture.
COACH
Avram Grant: (5/10): The Chipolopolo faithful expected a win against Chad at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, but Avram Grant’s injury-stricken squad could only secure a draw.
