WE WANT TO WIN THESE TWO GAMES – GRANT

04.10.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has set his sights on collecting all six points from Zambia’s upcoming Group E 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger, as the team looks to close the campaign on a strong note.

Speaking to the media at Football House on Saturday, Grant expressed belief in his team’s progress and confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion.

“We are facing two important games against Tanzania and Niger,” said Grant.

“Last month we played very well against Morocco but lost due to two big mistakes and missed chances. It was a good performance overall, and I hope we continue with that same quality.”

Zambia will face Tanzania away on October 8 before hosting Niger at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on October 12.

Grant reiterated that his mission remains clear — to guide Zambia to back-to-back victories and keep the team’s upward trajectory intact.

“We want to win these two games,” he said. “But we need to take each game as it comes. The first one against Tanzania will be tough — they are strong at home — but as we’ve shown before, we are also a strong team. We want to win this game.”

The coach noted visible progress in the team’s play and emphasized the importance of consistency.

“In terms of football, we are improving. It’s a process of putting Zambia among Africa’s biggest teams,” he explained. “We have an identity and a strategy that we stick to, and we need to continue building on what we’ve done well so far.”

Grant also reminded his players of the honour and responsibility that come with wearing the national colours.

“The national team is not a closed club. Players must show passion and sacrifice because we are not representing ourselves — we are representing 20 million people,” he said. “We want to win these two games and finish second in our group. It’s possible.”

The Chipolopolo depart for Zanzibar on Sunday ahead of Wednesday’s clash against the Taifa Stars at the refurbished 15,000-capacity Amaani Stadium. Kick-off is set for 21h00 CAT.