Chipolopolo Eye Redemption Against Tanzania in Zanzibar
By Enock Phiri
The Chipolopolo of Zambia will take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania tonight (Wednesday) in a crucial Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier at the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Head coach Avram Grant will be looking for redemption after his side’s 1-0 home loss to Tanzania in Ndola earlier in the campaign. The encounter also presents Zambia with an opportunity to keep their hopes alive for a second-place finish, which could open the door to a play-off spot.
Zambia go into the tie knowing that nothing less than victory will do if they are to stay in contention. With Morocco already qualified from the group, Grant’s men are part of a three-way battle for second place alongside Tanzania and Niger.
The Taifa Stars currently sit second on 10 points, followed closely by Niger on nine, while Zambia trail with six points in fourth place.
Grant has a strong pool of talent at his disposal, led by Leicester City striker Patson Daka, whose goal-scoring instincts will be vital. Supporting him in attack are Fashion Sakala of Al Fayha, Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan), Edward Chilufya (FC Midtjylland), and Kelvin Kampamba, all of whom offer versatility in the final third.
Much will also depend on the creativity and drive of Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva) and Clatous Chama, whose experience and familiarity with the Tanzanian terrain could prove crucial. The jet-heeled Lameck Banda of Lecce remains another exciting weapon, while captain Lubambo Musonda will be counted on to provide leadership and composure.
With Miguel Chaiwa ruled out through injury, the midfield responsibilities will fall to Benson Sakala, Emmanuel Banda, and Kelvin Kapumbu, with Obinno Chisala offering a creative alternative.
At the back, the defensive setup is expected to feature combinations from Kabaso Chongo, Frankie Musonda, Dominic Chanda, Gift Mphande, Mathews Banda, and David Hamansenya, all eager to stake their claim.
Grant may also give opportunities to young talents Joseph Sabobo Banda and Gift Siame, continuing his trend of blending youth with experience.
Between the sticks, Lawrence Mulenga, Charles Kalumba, and Patrick Chooma are vying for the starting berth in what promises to be a tense, tactical battle under the Zanzibar lights.
The hosts will be seeking to bounce back from a home defeat to Niger, which dented their momentum. Under pressure to maintain their second-place spot, the Taifa Stars are expected to come out attacking before their home fans.
Group winners from all nine CAF groups automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best second-placed teams will advance to a playoff round to determine Africa’s 10th representative.
Tonight’s clash kicks off at 21h00 CAT and will be live on SuperSport.
