Zambia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign ended on a disappointing note as they lost 1-0 to Niger at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium. Anthony Sosah’s 55th minute strike put daylight between the Dandas and the Chipolopolo Boys.

BolaNews rates the Copper Bullets’ performances in their humiliating loss to Niger on home soil on Sunday.

GOALKEEPER

Lawrence Mulenga (6/10): A number of brilliant saves from Mulenga, who could do little to stop Sosah’s fortuitous strike.

DEFENDERS

Gift Mphande (5/10): Mphande was caught napping during Niger’s goal, allowing Sosah to run in behind the defence, unmarked.

Benson Sakala (6/10): He made a good number of important clearances and timely interceptions at the back.

Kabaso Chongo (7/10): The man could do no wrong, bailing out the Chipolopolo backline time and again. Chongo featured at right back, centre back and left back against Niger.

Lubambo Musonda (6/10): The Copper Bullets captain should have chalked up an assist again but for Patson Daka firing wide.

MIDFIELDERS

Kelvin Kapumbu (5/10): Kapumbu, who was tasked to hold the midfield alone in a 4-1-4-1 formation, had a much more difficult afternoon.

Kings Kangwa (6/10): The midfielder sprayed some good passes into space but the hosts could not make the most of them.

FORWARDS

Edward Chilufya (5/10): Playing in behind Patson Daka alongside Kangwa, Chilufya sort of looked out of place, with his final touch and shot letting him down.

Lameck Banda (6/10): The flamboyant winger had a pulsating start to the first half but his exuberance faded as the game progressed.

Fashion Sakala (7/10): An industrious and exciting performance from Sakala, who caused havoc on the wings throughout the match.

Patson Daka (4/10): Of course, all the headlines will be about Patson Daka, who missed a chance that felt easier to score than miss.

SUBSTITUTES

Kennedy Musonda (5/10): Musonda should have atleast hit the target when Mphande crossed the ball to him in the 71st minute.

Emmanuel Banda (5/10): Zambia expected more control of the midfield with Banda’s introduction but that was not the case.

Joseph Sabobo Banda (5/10): The youngster did not have any game changing effect on the encounter.

Obino Chisala and Kelvin Kampamba (N/A):A little too late for Chisala and Kampamba.

COACH

Avram Grant (5/10): Three consecutive home defeats for Zambia have left many wondering whether Grant has what it takes to lead the Chipolopolo Boys at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this year. Grant and his technical bench have alot of work to do before stepping into Africa’s grandest tournament.