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Grant Demands More Despite Chipolopolo Victory Over Tanzania

Chief Editor
Oct 9
2 min read

09.10.2025 | Football DNA

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant admitted he was not entirely pleased with his team’s performance despite Zambia’s 1–0 victory over Tanzania in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on Wednesday night in Zanzibar.

A Fashion Sakala 74th-minute tap-in proved decisive for Zambia, sealing a crucial win in the Group E encounter against the Taifa Stars.

After the game, Grant emphasized that while the result was vital, the overall display—particularly in the first half—left much to be desired.

“I think first half I was not so happy from the performance; we didn’t manage to pass the ball like we want to pass the ball, quickly forward,” Grant said. “But also we need to say a good word about Tanzania; they caused us a lot of problems with the ball and without the ball.”

The two teams went into the break deadlocked after a goalless first half that lacked clear-cut chances. Zambia finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute after a swift move involving Captain Kabaso Chongo and Lubambo Musonda, whose combination set up Sakala for a simple finish.

Grant acknowledged the team’s improvement in the second half but insisted there’s still room to grow.

“Second half it was better—we were the better team, we played better than the first half. It was not one of our greatest games, but we deserved to win,” he noted.

Following the victory, Zambia has shifted focus to Sunday’s encounter against Niger at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, where they’ll aim to finish their qualifiers on a high.

Despite the win, the Chipolopolo remain fourth in Group E with 10 points, two behind second-placed Niger.

“Second place, so for this we need to play in Niger. If we win against them, probably we will be in second place and it’s a process since I came,” Grant added. “We’re always improving, and one of the points is we need to win all the games.”