Chipolopolo Hits the Ground Running
The Chipolopolo team, Zambia’s national football squad, is gearing up for their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco on June 7 in Agadir. With spirits high and determination palpable, the team had their second training session at the National Heroes Stadium under the guidance of Coach Avram Grant and his technical team.
The training session saw the arrival of several foreign-based players, bolstering the squad’s strength. Among the notable names were Obino Chisala, Gift Mphande, Emmanuel Banda, Evans Kangwa, Lubambo Musonda, Miguel Chaiwa, Patson Daka, Kings Kangwa, and Frankie Musonda. Their presence has added a fresh dynamism to the team as they prepare for one of the most significant matches in their recent history.
Midfielder Gamphani Lungu expressed the team’s collective mindset, emphasizing the need for extra effort to secure maximum points in Morocco. “The World Cup is a huge competition, and every player dreams of playing at that level,” Lungu said. “These are tough matches, but we will rise to the occasion despite not having our supporters there.”
Zambia has yet to make a World Cup appearance, and the path to qualification remains open. Group E is still anyone’s game, particularly after Eritrea’s withdrawal, which reduced the number of teams to five, leading to one team having a bye in each round. This will be Zambia’s third match in the qualifiers, while Morocco will be playing their second.
The atmosphere at the training session was upbeat, with the players focusing on their dual objectives: the immediate challenge against Morocco and the subsequent match against Tanzania. After the Morocco game, Zambia will host Tanzania on June 11 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Coach Avram Grant is expected to trim the current 27-member squad down to 23 before they depart for Agadir, ensuring that the team is streamlined and ready for the upcoming challenges.
As the Chipolopolo prepare to take on these critical back-to-back encounters, the entire nation holds its breath, hopeful that this could be the year Zambia makes its World Cup debut.
