In a group of death to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, against teams that were at the previous global showpiece–Nigeria, Algeria and Cameroon–Zambia has dug deep and found a way to swim against a raging tide.
Kicked off their campaign on uninspiring note, when they were coerced to lose to Nigeria on a home soil. An early bowing out was expected, but instead it was the giants Cameroon and Algeria who have faltered while minnows Chipolopolo remain in contention.
The 2012 Africa Cup of the nations winners now finds themselves in a very familiar state. A synonymous position of 1994 and 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They are knocking, but will the doors finally be unlocked?
For a country that has won the Africa of Nations both at junior and senior level and has produced an African player of the year–Kalusha Bwalya in 1988–certainly an appearance at the FIFA World Cup remains the missing jigsaw to facelift it’s wikipedia.
But then, Chipolopolo has always been a nearly team to earn a global showpiece berth. Flashback to the United States of America 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Zambia were hit by a dark cloud of the “Gabon Air Disaster” that no doubt was Morocco’s blessing in disguise.
A fired up KK11, as they were nicknamed in those days, started the campaign in a group H, made up of Madagascar, Namibia;Â Burkina Faso and Tanzania both resorted to withdraw after the draws.
The KK11 advanced to the second and final round with relative easy. They were paired with Senegal and Morocco.
The North Africans qualified to the USA, with just a point ahead of a Zambian makeshift side, that was quickly assembled to complete the campaign in the aftermath of the disaster–occurred as the team was en-roote to Dakar, Senegal.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Chipolopolo [Copper Bullets] squandered a golden opportunity after being awarded points, against Sudan, who were sanctioned for using a suspended player.
Needing to beat Ghana at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, the mission was again abortive as the determined Black Stars, coached by James Kwesi Appiah booked their ticket to Brazil, ahead of their Zambian counterparts.
These narratives could be carbon copied once again, should Zambia fail to beat the West Africans, Nigeria in Uyo on 7th October. It will be heartbreaking for the Southern Africa giants to once again finish second, in a FIFA World Cup group qualifiers.
Hope this shouldn’t be carbon paper, chipolopolo work hard to make a difference
Doors have already opened for Chipolopolo. Even Nigeria is scared but they don’t want just to show it. Just remain focused and you will see the open door. Go Chipolopolo Goal!!!!!!
Defense please!! Mweene and your line, please communicate..dont wait for the offside whistle (that cost us bitterly in Kumasi)..act then let the ref blow after you have cleared.. Butterfiles in my tummy all week!! Play your heats out guys, leave your hearts on the pitch.. You have what it takes!!
The same used to be said about AFCON, it was always, ” we nearly got it” but now AFCON is becoming a regular customer. It started with Sunzu’s last kick then came U20.
There is nothing different about this one, we can take it! All the best Chipolopolo!!
One Love Zambia..
Africans always say Nigerians have too much confidence but mehnnnn Zambians can talk. I cant wait the Super Eagles to shut you guys up. You guys think you have the psychological advantage but look at the group! We’re undefeated and we’re playing better each game. Not saying you guys arent good but dont think for a second you’re winning this for sure.
Nothing is impossible with hard work and God’s blessings
Zambia will continue playing the second fiddle come Saturday October 7th. The question is has Zambia won any match in West African before? Ghana did it before, now Nigeria will repeat it in Uyo. Nigeria will give Zambia the “Cameroon” treatment no doubt. It is going to be (Nigeria 4 vs Zambia 0). You will only play to reduce the score. So, don’t cry over spill milk.
Nigeria will claim a double over Zambia and Algeria.
There is no time better than now. Need to tap into the spirit of the Christopher Katongo led team that beat South Africa 3-1 in South Africa.
Zambia has nothing to lose in this game, but everything to gain. Play with the same reckless abandon that they did in Algeria. Okay maybe with a little more defensive discipline.
I will be glued to the TV, I tell you that. If we win…eish, there will be chindendeuleh. Though I have to note that a win for Chipolopolo would only leave the door more open, it won’t mean we are through. It will mean more work come next month, and even then Nigeria can still qualify via goal difference.
Nigerian players are all overrated ageing players. Their ages are all questionable. I expect the Copper Bullets to fire from all cylinders and to consume the Super Chickens in Nigeria.
LoooooooooooooL.
Anyone remember this comment from me before the game in zambia last year.
“We will roast you guys in zambia and then bury you in Nigeria”.
That’s exactly what is happening. We already roasted you in zambia. The final burial rites will happen in Uyo on saturday. Lol.
Go and tell your coach, this will be our first eleven that day.
Daniel Akpeyi
Ola aina
Elderson echiejiele
William Troost ekong
Leon Balogun
Wilfred Ndidi
John obi mikel
Alex Iwobi
Victor Moses
Kelechi Iheanacho
Odion ighalo
Nigeria 4 zambia 0
Iwe useless, wait & see Iwobi Moze & Mikel flop
The saddest thing is that we always wait for mathematics to be applied and never learn every time! A world class team in Under 20 was available but we waited until the last minute! We pray for a positive result.
@Naijaguy, you got no burial rites over Zambia, so chill up friend! We may bury you in your own backyard!
Lol.. we just bought your coffin bro. Pastor victor moses and bishop Mikel will officiate the funeral.. watchout
Zambian wake up! What on earth have you guys been smoking?
WHAT SIN HAS FWAYO TEMBO COMMITTED? HE COULD HAVE ADDED THE VALUE TO THE TEAM.
That milk is long spilt and dry..start thinking about what permutations the coach can use with the players in camp..
Nigeria 0-2 Zambia
in your dreams my man, on your Zambian dreams
Halt! nigeria you robbed zambia $3 . Now we are taking everything you have and imprison you in the desert where the foxes will tear you apart.
Saturday will be tense….
Mr Nyirenda/chambeshi knows the pace of the attack will more than compensate for any deficiencies in defense.
The young Bullets have been in this situation before and have overcome… in fact they are getting better don’t forget they scored with 10 men in Lusaka to overcome Algeria.
Even more worrying for the Nigerians is that now , the Young Bullets, have nothing to lose…
Yes you have nothing to lose and we have all to gain, that’s why we will thrash you silly come saturday.
@Naijaguy you too dey make mouth this your mouth sef..Na wa for you oooooo.. Chill out man stay quietly confident like we did against Cameroon.. God does not like an over pumpous arrogant brat!!!
Shut the f**k up. I make my boast in the Lord.
Nigeria will thrash zambia on saturday. If e dey vex you, join the Zambians.
Lol…how does one follow those words with “I make my boast in the Lord?” Hahahahhaha…this guy
@Ugo, thank you. The good thing is that Nigerian players are not as boastful as the guy…