The choice for Grant lies between Francis Mwansa, who showed some nerves in the match against Congo Brazzaville; Lawrence Mulenga, known for his occasional instability; and Charles Kalumba, a talented yet untested option.
In a game of high stakes, his decision could prove pivotal.
Most Chipolopolo fans have vocally expressed their preference for Mulenga to start ahead of Mwansa. Mulenga’s best Chipolopolo showing was in the 3–0 win over Ivory Coast in an AfCON qualifier.
Despite the pressure, Grant has a reputation for sticking to his guns. The big question remains: Will the Israeli yield to public opinion and bench Mwansa in favor of Mulenga?
This encounter is crucial to Zambia’s World Cup dreams. It offers the team an opportunity to maintain their lead in Group E. As the qualifiers head into a recess, a victory would solidify Chipolopolo’s position at the top.
Tanzania and Morocco chasing Zambia in Group E
Fans will be keenly following proceedings in Dar es Salaam where joint leaders Tanzania will be hosting group favourites and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
The Taifa Stars have three points following their 1-0 win over Niger, while Morocco has yet to kick a ball in these qualifiers. Their first opponent, Eretria, threw in the towel.
Four days ago, Zambia were adventurous in attack, scoring four goals past Congo Brazzaville but showed some vulnerability at the back. The consequences of that were the two goals conceded in a space of two minutes.
‘You are only as good as your last game,’ and for Zambia, this means they need to work on strengthening their defence while maintaining their attacking momentum.
Grant has more than enough quality in the team, so it is expected that he will largely stick to the core of his starting lineup from the previous match. However, there could be some tweaking here and there, possibly resting players like Roderick Kabwe and Benson Sakala.
For Niger, this match is about redemption and avoiding a second consecutive loss. Their coach, Ibrahim Zakariaou, will hope for a resilient performance against Chipolopolo, bidding to revive their qualifying campaign and boost morale.
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We have said this many times and it is becoming cliché, ‘under Grant, Zambia have been the envy of many. The country is yet to lose a competitive match. The form guide reads four wins and one draw in the last five matches.’
A few hours before kick-off, the question looms: Can Niger be the team to disrupt Grant’s impressive run?
