Zambia’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a huge blow after a 1-0 home defeat to Tanzania.
The Copper Bullets’ efforts to salvage a positive result proved futile, as they couldn’t breach the Taifa Stars’ defense.
BolaNews assesses the Chipolopolo Boys’ performance in their narrow defeat to Tanzania at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Lawrence Mulenga (5/10): That’s now 12 consecutive matches for the Chipolopolo number one without keeping a cleansheet.
DEFENDERS
Gift Mphande (6/10): After a quiet first half against the Taifa Stars, the Israeli-based defender provided several dangerous crosses in the second half.
Frankie Musonda (6/10): The centre-back was very adventurous at the Levy Mwanawasa, often venturing forward to contribute to the attack.
Stopilla Sunzu (6/10): Tanzania’s attack kept Sunzu busy. The 2012 AfCON winner eventually exited the game after pulling his hamstring.
Lubambo Musonda (6/10): Another outing in which the skipper had to cover a lot of ground as he raced the wing to contribute to both attack and defense.
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (8/10): If other Copper Bullet stars had shown the same level of intensity and urgency as Chaiwa, Zambia could have nicked a positive result. What a joy to watch. He gave the fans something to smile about.
Emmanuel Banda (3/10): For the second time in the space of four days, Banda was guilty of giving away the pass that led to the winning goal of the match.
Kings Kangwa (6/10): From winning fouls to making darting runs and sharp turns, Kangwa was more influential in the match than his previous outing.
FORWARDS
Edward Chilufya (5/10): Chilufya did not get enough of the ball to test his opposing fullbacks or influence the match.
Evans Kangwa (6/10): The forward was Zambia’s main avenue of getting the ball into the attack. He had a number of openings to grab an assist but was unfortunate not to.
Patson Daka (4/10): Daka did not wear his finishing boots against the Taifa Stars as a number of good chances went begging. Four headers, which were easier to score than to miss, went wide.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Kelvin Kampamba (6/10): Kampamba’s introduction lifted the spirits of the Chipolopolo as they tried to force an equalizer. He hit the crossbar once from a freekick.
Kennedy Musonda (5/10): The Tanzanian-based attacker could only make an appearance off the bench against the Taifa Stars. Made some runs but it was too late.
Obinno Chisala and Kingstone Mutandwa (N/A): In a last-ditch effort to level the game, Grant decided to bring on fresh legs late in the match.
COACH:
Avram Grant(6/10): Back to the drawing board for Grant and his technical bench as the Chipolopolo Boys failed to get a result despite making some changes.
READ MORE: Tanzania dims Zambia’s World Cup dream, Grant reacts to resignation calls
