Zambia: Chipolopolo assistant coach Moses Sichone says he expects a tough match against Niger today in a Group E 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Marrakech.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Sichone said that with the work done to rectify a few mistakes from the match day one win over Congo Brazzaville, the Chipolopolo would get maximum points.
“We know that the game against Niger won’t be easy, but looking at the first match we played against Congo, the boys played well, and we just have to rectify a few mistakes we made for tomorrow’s game to get maximum points,” he said.
Sichone confirmed that skipper Lubambo Musonda is back from injury to boost options for the squad ahead of the Niger clash.
He also decried the absence of Sweden based Edward Chilufya, who is out due to an illness and remained behind.
“Unfortunately, we have only one patient, Edward Chilufya, who remained back home because of sickness. We are not hundred percent sure on his illness. We thank God Lubambo the captain, is back in the team,” he said.
Sichone hailed the fans for the support during the home match and pledged to repay that faith with good results.
“We saw what happened in Ndola. The team did well with the support from our fans, and we hope that the fans back home will do the same in tomorrow’s game,” he said.
The Chipolopolo take on Niger tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Grand Stade Marrakech in a 21:00 hours (Zambian time) kick-off.
The side coached by Avram Grant currently tops Group E and will be looking to maintain the top spot after Tuesday’s round of matches. Morocco will play Tanzania away in Dare Salaam, while Congo will be off duty after Eritrea withdrew from the qualifiers.