Zambia’s national team suffered a huge setback in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, losing 1-0 to Tanzania at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium on Tuesday.
Zambia dominated from the outset, but Emmanuel Banda’s defensive error, misjudging his attacking opponent’s movement, allowed Waziri Muhudi to beat Lawrence Mulenga at the near post and put the visitors ahead four minutes into the game, a goal that was enough to seal victory for the East Africans.
The Chipolopolo produced multiple opportunities, with Leicester City striker Patson Daka heading wide from close range three times and striking the crossbar once.
Zambia continued their pursuit of an equalizer with 11 attempts on goal in the first half. However, Tanzania’s defense proved too strong.
In the second half, Avram Grant introduced Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba for Edward Chilufya, who came close to scoring for Zambia after hitting the crossbar with a free kick in the 72nd minute.
Kennedy Musonda replaced Emmanuel Banda, while Obino Chisala replaced the injured Stoppilla Sunzu. Cagliari youngster, Kingstone Mutandwa was subbed on for Evans Kangwa in the 87th minute to make his senior Chipolopolo debut.
Having failed to equalize, Zambia suffered their third defeat in four World Cup qualifiers. That put their chances of challenging Morocco, who lead the group with nine points, in jeopardy.
What has been said?
Reacting after the match, Grant insisted that his team played well and that they were just unlucky not to score.
“To be honest, the last two games have been very frustrating, especially the last game [against Tanzania] since it was one-sided,” he said. “We dominated completely… Our goalkeeper almost didn’t touch the ball. We hit the [woodwork] three times. We dominated but we couldn’t find a way to score goals even when we had the chance to do that and then. On the other side, one mistake cost. I am very frustrated about this.“
When asked about his future with the Chipolopolo Boys in the wake of social media calls for him to resign, Grant didn’t answer directly but did say he believes he has built a good team for Zambia and will continue to fight.
“I think we did good work in the last year and a half. We were just unlucky [today]. We hit the bar, we were close to scoring goals and from just one chance, they scored a goal. So it’s very frustrating, but I think we have a good team,” he said.
“We have created a good team; even with the loss today, I can say Zambia has a good future…. And we will continue fighting for second place in the group. We have a chance in the [remaining] four games if we take all the points, anything can happen…. And of course, my target, is to go back to Africa [Cup] and do well.”
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Zambia’s next World Cup qualifier will be away to Congo Brazzaville in March of next year, followed by a September home fixture against Morocco.
The Chipolopolo Boys are presently fourth in Group E, behind Niger, who also have three points. Tanzania is second with six points from three matches, while Morocco leads with nine. Congo Brazzaville sits at the bottom, with no points.
STORY WRITTEN BY: CALVIN KAUMBA CHIKENGE & JULIUS MALULU
