Zambia were unable to make the most of their home ground advantage and lost 1-0 to Tanzania in their CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result sees Chipolopolo drift down to fourth place in the Group E standings with four matches played and three points, the same as third placed Niger who have two matches in hand.

Tanzania are now tied with Morocco on six points, however the Atlas Lions are going to take on Congo later in the evening. It was a surprising win for the Taifa Stars as Zambia are one of the group favourites.

The match was decided from the fifth minute of play, when a lapse in concentration from Zambia’s defence led to Waziri Shentembo scoring early and taking advantage.

Chipolopolo never recovered from there and tried by all means to score in the 90 minutes, with Patson Daka in particular the star of the show. However, it was not enough and they succumbed to defeat at home in their qualifying campaign.

Zambia: L. Mulenga, G. Mphande, S. Sunzu (O. Chisala 80’), E. Banda (K. Musonda 67’), F. Musonda, M. Chaiwa, K. Kangwa, P. Daka, E. Chilufya (K. Kampamba 68’), L. Musonda, E. Kangwa (K. Mutandwa 87’)

Tanzania: A. Salim, M. Mohamed, I. Hamad, B. Nondo, L. Mwaikenda, H. Mkami (A. Suleiman 52’), M. Yahya (A. Bitegeko 46’), S. Msuva (E. Balua 59’), F. Salum, C. Mzize (L. Lawi 81’), W. Shentembo (C. M’Mombwa 58’)

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com