With just two World Cup qualifiers left to play this year, Zambia’s head coach Avram Grant has made his intentions unmistakably clear — Chipolopolo are going for maximum points. The team heads to Dar es Salaam for a crucial away clash against Tanzania on October 8th before returning home to host Niger at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium just four days later. With Zambia still winless in 2025 and sitting fourth in Group E with six points, the pressure is mounting — but Grant remains firm in belief.
Grant Frustrated by Scheduling — But Unfazed
Addressing the media at Football House, Grant voiced frustration over the tight FIFA international schedule, revealing that some of Zambia’s Europe-based players will only arrive on October 7th, just a day before kickoff. He questioned whether staging a competitive match just two days after the international window opens is “even legal.” Despite the logistical setback, the coach refused to use it as an excuse.
“We want to win these two games,” Grant declared. “But first we need to kill the first game by itself. Tanzania are strong at home — but we are strong too.”
Determined to End Winless Streak
Zambia has not won a single match in 2025, with their last competitive victory recorded back in November 2024 during an AFCON qualifier. Grant acknowledged the alarming stat but insisted that performance levels remain encouraging.
“As you saw in the last game and the previous ones, we have a good team,” he said confidently.
For Grant, the mission is simple: win away in Tanzania, finish the job against Niger, and restore belief ahead of December’s AFCON in Morocco.
