REALISM OVER EMOTIONS: SIERRA LEONE’S WIN MAKES ZAMBIA’S QUALIFICATION CHALLENGING
As passionate soccer fans, we often let emotions cloud our judgment, especially after a big win. Some have already labeled me “negative” for pointing out the potential complications following Zambia’s win against Chad coupled by Sierra Leone victory over Ivory Coast. But this is about facts and statistics, not emotions.
The ideal outcome for Zambia when Ivory Coast played Sierra Leone would have been an Ivory Coast win. That would have made Zambia’s qualification path much clearer, with Chad as the only remaining threat. However, Sierra Leone’s win has made the group race far more competitive, bringing three teams — Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leone — into contention for qualification.
It’s also a fact that Chad is the weakest team in the group, and Zambia missed a key opportunity by only managing a draw against them at home. While fans are hopeful that Zambia can beat Ivory Coast, we have to be realistic: Ivory Coast is the strongest team in the group. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone has a much easier path, facing Chad next and then hosting Zambia in their final game.
Zambia, on the other hand, faces Ivory Coast at home and a tough away fixture against Sierra Leone to end the campaign. If Zambia doesn’t secure a win against Ivory Coast, the final game away to Sierra Leone could become extremely complicated.
Being realistic and honest about the situation doesn’t mean hating on the team; it’s simply acknowledging the challenge ahead.
Chipolopolo Players Down Tools Over Unpaid Allowances Amid Poor Form
Zambia’s national football team, the Chipolopolo Boys, have reportedly refused to train in protest over unpaid allowances. According to The Mast, the players have downed tools in Ndola, demanding that the government settle long-standing arrears that date back to their participation in the last Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast.
The standoff comes just days ahead of Zambia’s crucial AFCON qualifier against Chad, scheduled for Friday with a 15:00 kick-off. Tuesday’s afternoon training session was the last the team held before halting their preparations, insisting that their outstanding payments be addressed.
This unrest comes during a difficult year for the Chipolopolo, who have struggled to produce results on the pitch. The team has managed just one official victory in 2024, increasing the pressure on both the players and the technical staff as they aim to revive Zambia’s fortunes in the upcoming qualifiers.
The decision to stop training is a major setback as Zambia aims to secure qualification for the next AFCON. With the match against Chad fast approaching, the situation adds to the pressure on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the government to resolve the issue swiftly and avoid further disruption to the team’s preparations.
