A football match between Zimbabwe and Zambia at any level is a mouthwatering tie. Nicknamed the ‘Battle of Zambezi’, this tie can go either way.
While Zimbabwe have qualified to the African Cup of Nations for the third time in a row (2017, 2019 & 2022), Zambia will have to make do with watching it on television for the third successive time.
Zimbabwe beat Zambia 2-1 at Heroes Stadium on match day 2 in Lusaka. Therefore, the Copper Bullets will be looking to make amends for that disappointing evening in Lusaka.
A look at the head-to-head record between the two Southern African neighbours gives Zambia the upper hand. Out of a total 51 matches played, Zambia have won 19, drawn 22 and lost on ten occasions.
In terms of Southern African Cup competition bragging rights, Zambia are the current defending Cosafa Cup Champions.
On the AFCON scene, Zimbabwe have never reached the semi finals whereas Zambia is arguably one of Africa’s football power houses. The Chipolopolo boys have featured in three AFCON finals (1974, 1994 & 2012), eventually lifting the trophy in 2012.
Although both teams’ fates have already been sealed, Monday night’s final Cameroon 2021 African Cup of Nations Group H dead rubber at Harare’s National Sports Stadium may prove to be an exciting match.
Mwenya chibwe in goal. Rodrick. Lubambo. Kabaso . Tandi. Sakala. Lungu. Mwepu. Daka. Chama. Mulenga.
So in this region only Zimbabwe have qualified. Malawi are also very close needing a win against Uganda to qualify…otherwise for the rest, Lesotho – out, Zambia – out, Eswatini -out, Angola – out, South Africa – out, Namibia – out, Mozambique – out, Bostwana – out…..Even with the expanded number of teams Southern Africa is still the lowest ranking region when it comes to qualification. Makes one wonder if really we are a footballing region! only one African footballer of the year, only one European champions league winner….in all this time and now our teams from the region cant even qualify to Afcon
Leave Zimbabwe to win so that they have a confidence builder for the Afcon. What battle of the Zambezi? Image saving is about qualifying to the AfCon not winning a dead rubber game.
comoros islands too