2023 AFCON: Zambia vs Tanzania Preview

Patson Daka of Zambia celebrates goal with teammates during the 2023 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers match between Lesotho and Zambia at the Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto on the 26 March 2023 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Thando Mpembe

Saturday Jan 20, 2024. 13:22

Zambia and Tanzania will clash in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group A match at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pédro on Sunday.

Date: Sunday 21 January 2024

Kick-off: 19h00 CAT

Head-to-head: The two teams have met 32 times, with Zambia having the upper hand. Chipolopolo have won 18 matches compared to the Taifa Stars’ five wins, while nine matches ended in a draw.

Zambia’s last three results: Chipolopolo are winless in their last three matches across all competitions – recording two draws in a row including a 1-1 stalemate against DR Congo in a Group F clash. Zambia also drew with Cameroon in a friendly and Niger in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Tanzania’s last three results: The Taifa Stars are also winless in their last three matches across all competitions including two losses to Morocco. A defeat to the Atlas Lions in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers was followed by a loss to Egypt and they also succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in a Group F match.

Team news: Taifa Stars will be under the guidance of Hemed Suleiman who was promoted from assistant coach to serve as caretaker boss for the rest of their 2023 AFCON campaign following the dismissal of Adel Amrouche over the statements he made after the most recent game against Morocco. Tanzania will also be without defender Novatus Miroshi who is suspended after being sent off against Morocco. On the other hand, things are quiet in the Zambia camp with no suspension and injuries reported so far.

Key players, Zambia: Patson Daka will once again carry Chipolopolo’s ambitions of defeating Tanzania having grabbed an assist against DR Congo. Kings Kangwa will pose a threat to Tanzania with his ability to score goals from midfield after scoring in the draw with Congo.

Key players, Tanzania: If there is one player who can inspire the Taifa Stars to a victory over Zambia, it’s Mbwana Samatta who has netted 22 goals in 76 caps. Himid Mao will be keen to stamp his authority in midfield and put his side in a good position to win the game.