Zambia vs Niger: Team News, Lineups, and Match Prediction Preview
Zambia and Niger are set to conclude their World Cup Qualifying campaigns for Africa at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this Sunday. Although the top spot is unattainable, both teams will strive for second place in Group E. However, their point tallies ensure that reaching the playoffs is not feasible.
Match Preview
Zambia began 2025 with a 3-0 victory over Congo but struggled in subsequent matches, enduring an eight-game winless streak comprising seven losses. On Wednesday, a goal by Fashion Sakala ended this streak as they defeated Tanzania 1-0 in a tense match in Zanzibar.
This win has improved Zambia’s point total to nine from seven qualifying matches, placing them three points behind Niger ahead of their meeting in Ndola. Achieving another victory would mean securing consecutive wins, something not done since December 2024.
Niger, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 5-0 loss to Morocco but rebounded with successive victories over Tanzania and Congo Republic. In their most recent outing, Daniel Sosah, Youssouf Oumarou, and Victorien Adebayor scored, securing a dominant win at Stade du 4-Aout.
Team News and Lineups
Patson Daka recently marked his 50th appearance for Zambia but is struggling to find the net, going 13 matches without scoring. Fashion Sakala, with his latest goal, has reached 10 international goals, joining Daka as the only active Zambian players with double-digit goals.
- Zambia Possible Lineup: Mulenga; Chisala, Chongo, B Sakala, Kapumbu; Musonda; F Sakala, Mphande, Kampamba, Kangwa; Daka
- Niger Possible Lineup: Tanja; Sabo, Sako, Alhassane, Pape; Oumarou, Goumey; Adebayor, Adamou, Diori; Sosah
Prediction
Despite having less to play for, both teams are expected to engage in a competitive match. Zambia, hosting the game, will aim to deliver a victory in front of their fans. Therefore, a narrow win for Zambia, with a 2-1 scoreline, is anticipated.
