Fans left in shock after 1-0 defeat of Chipolopolo to Tanzania in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola was left stunned after Zambia succumbed to a one-nil defeat to Tanzania in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The defeat represented a second loss in four days after losing one-nil to Morocco last Friday.

A fifth minute goal by the Taifa Stars through a Waziri Muhudi goal was enough to all but end Zambia’s hopes of qualifying for a maiden World Cup appearance.

Tanzania held on for a famous win away at the home ground of their neighbours who were guilty of missing a slew of chances on the evening.

Leicester City striker Patson Daka was more guilty of not finding the back of net in comparison with his colleagues even though Lubambo Musonda, Frankie Musonda and Kings Kangwa also attempted to score but to no avail.

Emmanuel Banda was slow to react to a ball that was intercepted by Mudathir Yahya who placed it in the path of Muhudi.

The goal scorer then beat Chipolopolo goalie Lawrence Mulenga to give the Taifa Stars a slender lead.

Zambia came back stronger in the second half but the momentum faded away as the minutes went by.

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant gave in to pressure from an unsettled crowd, by bringing on Kelvin Kampamba and Kennedy Musonda for Edward Chilufya and Emmanuel Banda respectively in the 67th minute.

The substitution came with renewed intent with Kampamba hitting the post from a 72nd minute free kick.

Eleven minutes earlier, Daka came close in the 61st minute but his deflected shot hit the post.

The result comes hot on the heels of the controversial omission of Saudi based forward Fashion Sakala after a public fallout with Grant.

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