Zambia Chipolopolo  suffered their first defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after succumbing to a 2-1 loss to Niger.

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant made two changes to the team that beat Congo Brazzaville 4-2.

Clatous Chota Chama was named in the starting line up for the first time under Grant replacing Benson Sakala while Lawrence Mulenga returned to the starting line up as Francis Mwansa dropped to the bench.

Zambia started as the better side and looked like a team that wanted an early goal.

However it was Niger who took the early lead as Amadou Moutari poked home from close range after some good work from Boubacar Goumey slicing through the Zambian defence.

Niger doubled the lead in the 28th minute as Boubacar Goumey turned finisher, slotting home from close range.

The match went to the break with Niger leading 2-0.

After what should have been a serious team talk by Grant at the break Zambia pulled one back five minutes into the second stanza Patson Daka heading in his third goal in World Cup qualifiers.

Daka found himself at the right place at the right time to head home after a brilliant move that started with Lameck Banda, a cross from Chapeshi, a headed pull back from Fashion Sakala Jnr and a shot from Clatous Chota Chama which was parried into Daka’s path.

Zambia started to push for a second goal with Lameck Banda, Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka all leading the charge.

Grant also made some changes introducing Zephaniah Phiri for Rodrick Kabwe, Golden Mafwenta for Clatous Chota Chama, Lubambo Musonda for Klings Kangwa and later Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba for Benedict Chepeshi but Niger held on to win their first match of the qualifiers.

Niger held on to win the match 2-1, their first win over Zambia since 2014.

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