Chipolopolo look to tear Taifa Stars apart

Zambia will go head-to-head with Tanzania in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group F match at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 7:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Chipolopolo are currently placed third on the group F table having started their group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw with DR Congo on 17 January.

The draw extended Zambia's winless run to three matches across all competitions having recorded two draws in a row and one defeat.

Meanwhile, Tanzania got off to a losing start in group F as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Morocco on 17 January and they placed fourth in the group standings.

The Taifa Stars are now winless in their last three matches across all competitions, having registered three consecutive defeats.

TEAM NEWS

Tanzania have sacked head coach Adel Amrouche after the Algerian tactician's comments about Morocco. The Tanzanian Football Federation have since promoted Hemed Suleiman from assistant coach to caretaker boss for the rest of the 2023 Afcon campaign.

The Taifa Stars will also be without Novatus Miroshi, who is suspended after being sent off against Morocco. Zambia, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns and they are yet to report injuries in their camp.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Zambia head coach Avram Grant

"Every game is different and the next one will be different from this one. We will surely put in place another tactic to seek victory against Tanzania," Avram said.

"It was a difficult match for both teams but DR Congo were much better than us. We moved the ball well but it was difficult for our attackers against big, strong defenders."

TFF spokesman Clifford Mario Ndimbo

"The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Hemed Suleiman as the acting coach, and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda,” Ndimbo said in a statement shared on their official Facebook page.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Patson Daka, Zambia: The Leicester City striker grabbed an assist against DR Congo and he will now be determined to find the back of the net when he faces the Tanzania defence which conceded three goals against Morocco.

Mbwana Samatta, Tanzania: The Taifa Stars captain is a proven goalscorer, having found the back of the net 22 times in 76 matches for his nation and he will be eager to lead his troops to a victory over Zambia.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Zambia and Tanzania have met 32 times across all competitions. Chipolopolo have won 18 games compared to the Taifa Stars' five victories, while nine matches ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 2-0 win in favour of Zambia in a 2020 Chan match played in Cameroon in February 2021.