Former Chipolopolo goalkeeper and 2012 AFCON winner Kennedy Mweene has warned that Sunday’s clash between Zambia and Niger will be far from an ordinary match.
Now serving as Mamelodi Sundowns Goalkeeper Coach, Mweene stressed that Niger will not travel to Ndola just to donate points, as they fully understand what is at stake in the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“This won’t be a normal game. Niger are coming to fight. Zambia must expect a physical and dirty game,” Mweene said.
Speaking on The Authoritative Sports Day with Matimba Nkonje on ZNBC Radio 4, Mweene highlighted that home games are often tougher than away matches due to pressure and expectations. However, he believes Zambia has what it takes to finish strong, provided the players show more hunger than they did against Tanzania.
Mweene was particularly impressed with the team’s improved ball retention in Zanzibar, noting that it is something he has long wanted to see from the Chipolopolo.
With AFCON set for December in Morocco, Mweene insists Sunday’s game is more than just a qualifier — it is a key preparatory match.
