Zambia interim head coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina says he is confident the Chipolopolo will respond when they host Togo in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group I qualifier on Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Chipolopolo head into the encounter looking to recover from Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Tizi Ouzou, while Togo arrive in Ndola with three points after opening their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Burundi.
Despite Zambia’s opening-day setback, Lwandamina insists the defeat has not derailed the country’s qualification hopes and believes playing at home gives his players an opportunity to immediately put the result behind them.
The interim coach says Togo’s opening victory should not be taken as an indication that they will automatically collect another three points in Ndola.
“Having three points does not warrant that they (Togo) will come and collect three points again,” Lwandamina said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
Lwandamina believes Zambia must now do the necessary work on the pitch and make full use of home advantage when the two sides meet.
“We have to do our homework and we are playing at home. I am sure the boys will rise to the occasion.”
Togo’s victory over Burundi means the Hawks currently have three points in Group I, while Zambia are still searching for their first points after their opening-day defeat.
However, Lwandamina has urged against reading too much into the early standings, pointing out that only one round of matches has been completed and there is still a long way to go in the qualification campaign.
“We do have a chance. We have just played one game. Every game is vital,” he said.
For the Zambia coach, Tuesday’s fixture represents more than just another qualifying match. It is an immediate opportunity for the Chipolopolo to respond to the disappointment in Algeria and restore momentum in their campaign.
“All games are important and we are aware that we are coming from a loss and we have this opportunity to redeem ourselves,” Lwandamina said.
“The boys are ready for that challenge.”
Zambia’s preparations have involved a mixture of established internationals and emerging players, with Lwandamina working to develop greater cohesion within the squad.
The coach believes that process is gradually taking shape and that the players now have an opportunity to demonstrate that progress in a competitive environment against Togo.
One area that has attracted attention following the defeat to Algeria has been Zambia’s defensive performance. The Chipolopolo conceded three goals in the second half after Fashion Sakala had restored parity, prompting scrutiny of the team’s defensive organisation.
Lwandamina, however, rejected the suggestion that the defensive problems should be placed solely on the back four.
The coach stressed that defending is a collective responsibility and that every player must contribute when the team does not have possession.
“The defensive system does not remove everyone on the pitch. Everyone becomes a defender when you do not have the ball,” he said.
He further challenged the notion that the defensive line should carry the blame for the team’s shortcomings.
“I know you are driving into condemning the defensive line. That is not the only defence you have; it is everyone.”
The message from Lwandamina is therefore centred on collective responsibility as Zambia look to improve against Togo. The Chipolopolo will need to be more disciplined without the ball while also making the most of their opportunities in attack.
Tuesday’s encounter carries significant importance for both teams. Togo will be looking to build on their opening victory and strengthen their position in Group I, while Zambia need a positive result to begin their recovery after the defeat in Algeria.
For Lwandamina, however, the focus is not on what has already happened but on what Zambia can do next. With the team returning to home soil, the coach believes his players have the opportunity to provide the required response in front of the Ndola crowd.
The Chipolopolo will face Togo at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 CAT.
Tickets for the match are available through the FAZ TechPay platform, with prices set at K50 for the North, South and East stands, K250 for the West Stand and K500 for VIP.
After losing their opening qualifier, Zambia now have the chance to put their campaign back on track. Lwandamina’s confidence is clear: Togo may have arrived with three points, but Zambia have home advantage, an opportunity to respond and, in the coach’s words, a chance to redeem themselves.
