CHIPOLOPOLO coach Avram Grant has dumped the blame on yesterday’s 1 – 0 loss against Tanzania on sheer bad luck but stated the team played an exceptional game.
Grant described the back to back losses against Morocco in Adgir on Friday and Tanzania last evening as frustrating.
According to Grant, Zambia had dominated the game against Tanzania last night but it was just their day.
“I think we did good work in the last year and a half. We were just unlucky today. We hit the bar, we were close to scoring goals and from just one chance, they scored a goal. So it’s very frustrating, but I think we have a good team,” he said.
“We dominated completely. Our goalkeeper almost didn’t touch the ball. We hit the woodwork three times but we couldn’t find a way to score goals even when we had the chance to do that and then. On the other side, one mistake cost us.”
Meanwhile the coach maintained his confidence in the Zambian side highlighting its potential to pull through despite hanging on a thread.
“We have created a good team even with the loss today, I can say Zambia has a good future and we will continue fighting for second place in the group.”
In a disappointing outcome for the Chipolopolo boys, Zambia’s dream of a maiden appearance at a FIFA World Cup was drawn three points behind, following Tuesday’s 1-0 home defeat in the hands of the Taifa Stars.
A Waziri Muhudi early strike gave Tanzania their much needed victory to leave the home fans stunned at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
This was Zambia’s third defeat in for Avram Grant’s side in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Morocco seats comfortably at the top of Group E, while Tanzania comes second as Zambia settles for third, above Congo Brazzaville who at the bottom of the table with no win.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba June 12, 2024
