World Cup Qualifying: Himoonde urges Zambia to play with pride against Morocco

Former Zambia national team defender Hichani Himoonde has called on the Chipolopolo to protect the pride of the country when they take on Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Monday.

Zambia, who are pooled in Group E, are currently lying third with six points, and they will come up against a Moroccan side, who are topping the pile with 15 points, while Tanzania are second on nine points. A win for the Atlas Lions will ensure they qualify for the World Cup.

“Even if Morocco qualifies on Friday before meeting us, it won’t matter,” Himoonde said as quoted by Bola News. “What matters is our pride. We haven’t been performing well in our recent matches, and it’s time for the players to restore faith in the nation and the supporters.

“My encouragement to them is, play with passion, play with your heart and be at your level best. Every team is beatable, and together we can do it. The coach has called on a good side and looking at the players called into camp the coach looks like he will go all-out attack.”

On Thursday, Zambia coach Avram Grant named his final squad for the Morocco test with Frankie Musonda and Kelvin Kampamba being ruled out of the battle due to injuries.

Bahrain-based Musonda and Zesco United‘s Kampamba were initially part of the squad but after medical assessment were exempted from the Morocco assignment.

Other players, who did not make the squad include Abraham Siankombo, Saddam Phiri, Mwenya Chibwe and Killian Kanguluma.

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