Zambia hosts Chad in a critical AFCON 2025 qualifier following a recent victory over Sierra Leone, which ended a lengthy winless streak. Chad, struggling at the bottom of their group, seeks a turnaround after several recent defeats. Key players will be absent for Zambia, but the team is optimistic about their attacking potential. Predictions favor Zambia to win 2-1, though Chad aims to score for the first time in matches.
Zambia is set to host Chad in a crucial qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this Friday afternoon. Following a much-needed victory against Sierra Leone, where they secured a 3-2 win, the Zambian team aims to build on this momentum. This win ended a troubling streak of nine matches without victory, and while their defense remains a concern—having not kept a clean sheet in 15 games—their attacking prowess has shown signs of resurgence. In contrast, Chad’s performance has been faltering, suffering a 2-0 defeat against the Ivory Coast in their last outing, marking their third loss in four matches. Their inability to score in these encounters amplifies the pressure as they sit at the bottom of their qualifying group, desperately needing points to rejuvenate their campaign and avoid missing this AFCON tournament. In terms of player availability, Zambia will be without Leicester City forward Patson Daka due to an ankle injury and Fashion Sakala, who remains sidelined following a disagreement with head coach Avram Grant. However, Frankie Musonda’s return from injury adds some depth to the squad, alongside the potential debut of Chipyoka Songa. For Chad, Marius and Casimir Ninga are key players who will need to step up, with Ninga being the most prolific contributor to his national team’s offense. The anticipated line-ups suggest a competitive matchup, with Zambia favored to win given Chad’s recent struggles. Predictions indicate a close contest, with expectations of Zambia clinching the victory 2-1, despite Chad possibly finding the back of the net for the first time in several matches.
The upcoming match between Zambia and Chad is pivotal in the context of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Zambia, having secured their first victory after a lengthy winless period, seeks to capitalize on this positive turn of events to strengthen their position in Group G. Conversely, Chad faces a dire situation, remaining at the bottom of their group without a significant win, increasing the necessity for immediate improvement in their performance.
The match between Zambia and Chad represents a critical juncture in both teams’ AFCON qualifying campaigns. Zambia, fueled by a recent victory, will be eager to advance their standing, while Chad seeks to rectify a series of disappointing performances to reignite their hope of qualification. With the stakes high, this match is not only essential for points but also for team morale as they head into the latter stages of the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.sportsmole.co.uk
