Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 World Cup qualifier
CAF Group E
Zambia v Tanzania
Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Ndola, Zambia
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Kick-off is at 15h00
Zambia will be looking to put internal tensions to one side when they face Tanzania in a
2026 World Cup qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday, June 11.
Copper Bullets head coach Avram Grant is facing an investigation by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following claims of bias from Fashion Sakala, who was overlooked for selection once again.
Sakala hasn't featured for his country since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and alleged that he's been frozen out after refusing to sign with Grant's agent, Nir Karin.
The Israeli tactician has denied the accusations and insists the 27-year-old striker wasn't called up due to his attitude.
"This October, it will be 51 years since I started coaching, and all my decisions are completely professional," Grant declared. "Part of my job is to choose players, and I have never faced a reaction like this in my life.
"Everything started after the Africa Cup of Nations matches against Morocco when I preferred Lameck Banda over him (Sakala) in one of the matches because I didn't like his attitude.
"Before the other tournament in Malawi, I sent messages to five players that I was not happy with their performance. I didn't say he was a bad player.
"I thought he would call and ask what he needed to do better, maybe look at the video. His answer was, 'Who are you to speak to me like this? You are not the football boss in Zambia.' He even put a threat on me if I text him again.
"I cannot allow such behavior of superstars for the harmony of the team, and I could not pick him again. Nobody has ever accused me like this. Let me be clear, each word of his is a complete lie."
Grant's side are second in Group E, three points behind Morocco following the 2-1 defeat in Agadir on June 7.
The Taifa Stars are level with Chipolopolo and Niger on three points, but sit fourth in the group on goal difference with a game in hand on their upcoming opponents.
The withdrawal of Eritrea in November has meant that some nations have played more matches than others, while the refusal of Congo to host Niger in a foreign country on June 6 has skewed things even further.
Hemed Morocco's side kicked off proceedings with a 1-0 win over the Menas on November 18 before suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Atlas Lions three days later.
Head-to-Head (Previous Meetings)
Matches - 4
Zambia wins - 0
Tanzania wins - 2
Draws - 2
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