Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has emphasised the importance of Zambia's final Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier against Niger, highlighting it as a crucial step in the team's ongoing development and quest for consistency. The highly anticipated match will take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Grant conveyed the team's unwavering focus on concluding the campaign positively and sustaining momentum as they approach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"We played a game against Tanzania, but we have one more game, and this is the last game also before the Africa [AFCON]. So we want also to win this game," Grant stated. He acknowledged Niger as a formidable opponent, currently holding a three-point lead over Zambia. "Niger is a very good team; they are three points ahead of us. But if we win, we will be in second place. What is important for us is to show a good mentality, good football, and get the three points."
Midfielder Emmanuel Banda passionately appealed to fans to fill the stadium. "I would like to invite the fans to come in numbers as they did in the last few days in Morocco. Despite the results, they were here from start to end, so we hope tomorrow they come in numbers as well and support us as we aim to get the three maximum points," Banda urged.
Niger assistant coach Zakariaou Ibrahim expressed his team's ambition for victory. "We have come to play a good game so that at the end of the day we would like to win, we cannot reveal the strategy so let’s see what happens tomorrow," he said. Captain Hassane Adamou echoed Zakariaou's sentiments.
The Chipolopolo will face Niger in a Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier, with both teams vying to secure second place in the group. Tickets are available at Shoprite outlets via Computicket, priced at K50 (North& South), K100 (East), K150 (West), and K300 (VIP).
Key Match Details
- Teams: Zambia vs Niger
- Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifier (Group E)
- Venue: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
- Date: Sunday
- Tickets: Available at Shoprite via Computicket