Tanzania & Zambia eye positive result in Group E assignment

While Morocco have already booked their ticket to the Fifa World Cup tournament in Group E, Tanzania and Zambia will hope to bow out of their qualifying campaign on a high, beginning with their clash at the Amani Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 9pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Both Tanzania and Zambia are unable to qualify for the showpiece, given their standing in Group E. The Taifa Stars are currently second in their group, 11 points behind Morocco.

Zambia, on the other hand, are fourth and have accumulated just six points from six matches played so far.

Chipolopolo recorded a 2-0 loss against Morocco in their most recent qualifier, while Tanzania saw out a 1-0 loss to Niger and also, a 1-1 draw with Congo in their most recent set of Group E obligations.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking ahead of their clash against Zambia, midfielder Habibu Idd called for the Taifa Stars faithful to come out in their numbers to support the team.

“We know the game won’t be easy, but we are preparing well to ensure we secure a positive result,” Idd said.

“This is a match we must win. I call upon all Tanzanians to come out, cheer for us and give us the motivation we need.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tanzania: Selemani Mwalimu – Mwalimu came off the bench in his side’s 1-1 draw to Congo last month and subsequently saved Tanzania from defeat with an 84th-minute equaliser. Whether as a starter or substitute, the Tanzania forward will head into the next set of games as a definite goal threat.

Zambia: Patison Daka – With European pedigree, Daka will be looked at as the attacker in chief for Zambia in the next week. While goals have been hard to come by for Zambia of late, Daka now has the chance of showing why he is among the best players from his country.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 9

Tanzania wins: 2

Zambia wins: 3

Draws: 4