Zambia’s Victory and the Silence Around Avram Grant
In the aftermath of Zambia’s crucial victory in the AFCON qualifiers, one thing stands out there is a noticeable silence from the football analysts who are usually vocal when the Chipolopolo lose. When Zambia fails, demand for commentary surges, with radio shows, TV interviews, and bloggers having plenty to critique. Yet, following this recent win, there is little discussion about Coach Avram Grant’s tactics, the performance on the field, or the missed chances that could have impacted Zambia’s AFCON qualification hopes.
Despite securing a win, there are many aspects that should still be part of the conversation. For example, none seem to be discussing the penalty given away by a young player that could have easily changed the outcome of the game. The third-choice goalkeeper, Tosta, who many had questioned before the match, has now become a national favorite after his critical penalty save. But where were these same fans and analysts when his inclusion was heavily criticized?
As Zambians, we need to have an honest conversation about what we truly want for our national football team. Do we want Avram Grant fired, or do we simply want results in this case, wins? This question arises because the criticism of Grant is often loud when the team loses, but when they win, even a game of great significance, the focus seems to shift. Suddenly, the issue of his contract has paused, and his tactical decisions are no longer under scrutiny. But should they be?
Honest Questions to Reflect On Grant’s performance as head coach has been a mixed bag. When Zambia loses, the critiques are harsh: “Grant is taking us nowhere,” “He takes too long to make substitutions,” “He’s too defensive.” Players like Evans Kangwa are often criticized for being out of form but still getting game time. But after this victory, all that seems forgotten. So, should we simply ride the wave of this win and move on without addressing the team’s underlying issues?
The Key Question: Is Zambia Improving Under Grant? As we celebrate this important win, we must ask ourselves the tough questions. Is the team truly improving under Grant? What is he doing wrong, and what is he doing right? Football analysts often focus on the negatives during losses, but winning should also prompt reflection are these wins built on solid foundations, or are we just papering over cracks?
Football is not just about the result on the day; it’s about long-term progress. The missed chances, defensive lapses, and questionable tactics should not be ignored just because Zambia won. If we’re serious about returning to the AFCON, we need to evaluate the bigger picture. If we qualify, will the narrative around Grant change? For many fans, the answer is likely yes but that doesn’t mean we should ignore valid concerns about his methods and approach.
Honest Analysis Needed, Win or Lose As Zambian football fans, we owe it to ourselves to be factual and objective, even after a win. Zambia’s football future is too important to be swayed by a single result. We need to be honest with ourselves and assess whether Grant is the right man to lead the Chipolopolo forward. Are the team’s performances consistent, or are we simply relieved by the occasional win?
At the end of the day, we should strive for what’s best for Zambia’s football—not just short-term victories, but sustainable growth and success. The question remains: Is Grant the man for the job, or should Zambia be considering a new direction? It’s time for some honest reflection.
