World Cup (Q): Zambia coach Grant stresses importance of beating Niger

Zambia national team coach Avram Grant has described Zambia’s final Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier against Niger as an important step in the team’s long-term process of growth and consistency.

Fresh from beating Tanzania 1-0 in their matchday nine fixture at New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, the Chipolopolo will host Niger at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Grant said the technical bench and players were fully focused on ending the campaign on a high and maintaining momentum ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Zambia must show good mentality, good football

“We played a game against Tanzania, but we have one more game, and this is the last game before the Africa [AFCON]. So we also want to win this game,” said Grant.

“Niger is a very good team; they are three points ahead of us. But if we win, we will be in second place. What is important for us is to show a good mentality, good football, and get the three points.”

Zambia sits fourth in Group E with nine points

Speaking on behalf of the players, midfielder Emmanuel Banda called on fans to attend the match in numbers.

“I would like to invite the fans to come in numbers as they did in the last few days in Morocco. Despite the results, they were here from start to end, so we hope tomorrow they come in numbers as well and support us as we aim to get the three maximum points,” said Banda.

Zambia must beat Niger by at least two goals to have any chance of finishing second and qualifying for the playoffs. They are currently sitting fourth in Group E with nine points garnered from three wins, zero draws, and four defeats.

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