SIERRA LEONE’S WIN AGAINST IVORY COAST COMPLICATES ZAMBIA’S QUALIFICATION HOPES
In the latest twist of the Group G qualifiers, Sierra Leone’s unexpected victory over Ivory Coast has thrown the group wide open, significantly complicating Zambia’s path to qualification. With only two teams set to advance, Zambia, Ivory Coast, and now a rejuvenated Sierra Leone are all battling for a spot, making the final two matches decisive for each team’s fate.
Sierra Leone’s 1-0 triumph over the previously unbeaten Ivory Coast has not only boosted their own hopes but also added immense pressure on Zambia, who sit second in the group with 7 points. Ivory Coast remains on top with 9 points, but their once comfortable lead has been cut short. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone, with 4 points, is now back in contention with two games left to play.
The real danger for Zambia lies in Sierra Leone’s next fixture, which is against the group’s weakest side, Chad. Chad, with only 2 points and no goals scored in the competition so far, has struggled throughout the campaign. Most analysts expect Sierra Leone to secure a win, bringing them level on points with Zambia. This potential win puts Zambia’s qualification hopes in jeopardy, as the Zambian team faces the group leaders Ivory Coast in their next match.
Zambia will host Ivory Coast on November 10th in a game that could define their entire campaign. A win would see Zambia leapfrog Ivory Coast to the top of the group and securing qualification. However, a loss or draw could leave Zambia’s fate out of their hands if Sierra Leone beats Chad, forcing them to get a result in their final game — a difficult away fixture against a resurgent Sierra Leone on November 18th.
If Sierra Leone can beat Chad as expected, the November 18th match between Sierra Leone and Zambia could turn into a head-to-head battle for the second qualifying spot. Zambia, knowing that Sierra Leone will have momentum and home advantage, will not want to leave everything until the last game.
The upcoming fixtures present Zambia with a delicate balancing act: they must focus on defeating Ivory Coast at home to ease the pressure before their trip to Sierra Leone, all while hoping that Chad can somehow surprise Sierra Leone and disrupt their momentum. The stakes could not be higher.
While Zambia still holds its destiny in its hands, the margin for error has narrowed significantly. With three nations now vying for two spots, every match will feel like a final, and Zambia must be at their best to keep their qualification dream alive.
Its that draw at home against CHAD that now looks like a big loss
Bwezani Mbewe