News Digest - Thursday, October 9th, 2025

Our national focus turns to Ndola as the Chipolopolo secured a vital away win in Zanzibar, keeping our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive, though the team acknowledges the need for sharper performance ahead of Sunday's decisive home match.

Main Stories

1. Chipolopolo Clinch Crucial 1–0 Victory Over Tanzania in World Cup Qualifier
   A 74th-minute tap-in by Fashion Sakala, following a swift break involving Captain Kabaso Chongo and Lubambo Musonda, secured Zambia a vital 1–0 win against Tanzania in their Group E World Cup qualifier played in Zanzibar, moving us to 10 points and maintaining our fight for qualification.
2. Coach Grant Demands Improvement Despite Victory Ahead of Niger Clash
   While pleased with the result, Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant expressed dissatisfaction with the team's first-half performance, particularly the passing, acknowledging Tanzania caused problems, but highlighted a better second-half display as the team now urgently prepares for the critical final qualifier against Niger this Sunday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
3. Sunday's Match Against Niger Holds Key to World Cup Qualification Hopes
   Coach Avram Grant emphasized that victory against Niger in Ndola on Sunday is essential for Zambia to potentially climb to second place in Group E, stating "we need to win all the games" as part of the ongoing process of team improvement under his leadership.

Other Notable Stories

• Sports & National Pride:
  • Zambia currently sits fourth in Group E with 10 points, trailing second-placed Niger by two points ahead of their direct showdown this weekend.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• All focus shifts to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola this Sunday for the Chipolopolo's crucial final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Niger.
• A Zambian victory is imperative to have a realistic chance of finishing second in Group E and advancing in the qualification process.
• Continued improvement in performance, particularly maintaining intensity and precision throughout the full match as demanded by Coach Grant, will be vital against Niger.