Chipolopolo await Sierra Leone in final Group G test

by Staff Reporter

Monday Nov 18, 2024. 16:00

Zambia could place themselves firmly at the top of Group G in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture this week when they do battle with Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Tuesday. Kick-off is at 6:00pm CAT.

The Copper Bullets came a long way from their 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast in their opening Group G qualifier on the 6th of September.

Since then, Zambia went on a four-match unbeaten streak and recently recorded back-to-back victories against Chad and the reigning AFCON title holders respectively.

Chipolopolo cemented their place in next year’s tournament following their 1-0 win against Ivory Coast last time out and subsequently put themselves in pole position to top Group G after matchday six.

Sierra Leone on the other hand, have been sounded out of 2025 AFCON qualification after picking up just five points from five matches played so far.

Also, Zambia emerged victorious the last time the two nations met after a nervy 3-2 win at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on the 10th of September.

Reflecting on his side’s AFCON qualification, Zambia head coach Avram Grant expressed his side’s win over Ivory Coast as one of the most enjoyable moments of his illustrious career.

“I am very happy and after 51 years in my career this is one of the most enjoyable wins against a very good team, the champions of Africa with players from all over,” Grant said.

“We played with a lot of difficulties, and I didn’t want to mention them before about the players that are not with us.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sierra Leone: Augustus Kargbo – The Cesena winger was a star turner during the most recent fixture between the two sides and will no doubt look to impress on Tuesday night yet again. With his direct running and goal threat attributes, Zambia will have to be high alert to the 25-year-old throughout the 90 minutes.

Zambia: Kennedy Musonda – After scoring the winning goal against the Elephants last week, Musonda can easily be counted among the best players for Zambia during their 2025 AFCON.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Matches played – 1

Sierra Leone wins – 0

Zambia wins – 1

Draws -0