ZAMBIA today has no excuses but to beat champions Ivory Coast and qualify for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the game to spare thanks to Chad, who spoiled the Sierra Leone party on Wednesday.
While this looks like a big ask for a team battled with injuries, it is the only way of securing that much-needed ticket to Morocco next year.
Ivory Coast was given qualification to defend their crown thanks to Chad who against all odds held Sierra Leone to a 1-all draw and this now leaves Zambia in a must-win situation to qualify.
Defeat today would mean Zambia would need to draw against Sierra Leone away on Tuesday in the last match to eventually qualify.
The maths is therefore easy for the 2012 champions who with a win today will qualify with a game to spare and lessen the pressure away in Liberia but defeat against the Ivoirians might complicate the path against a Sierra Leone side equally wanting to qualify.
So whether our opponents will come easy on us knowing they have qualified ot field a strong side will be another story but we need a win simple.
Avarm Grant should ensure he picks a squad that should get the three points and qualify for a second straight AFCON final appearance.
At this stage we should not be worried with the fancy system of play as winning ugly will be key and ensure we qualify because we shall not be facing an easy team.
Memories are fresh that Zambia last beat Ivory Coast 3-0 at the same venue to revive the 2021 qualification but it would be a mistake to be content thinking the same can easily repeat itself.
That time we had a strong squad than this injury hit team squad that managed to pull a hug win away against Chad in the last fixture.
Fans deserve some dancing and smiling at the final whistle tonight, and beating Ivory Coast will be that much needed win that everyone will be expecting.
A win will also put icing on the cake for a country that last month celebrated it’s 60th Independence anniversary and being that old means Zambia should become a regular feature at competitions like the Africa Cup but most importantly strive to qualify for the elusive World Cup and establish oneself as a football powerhouse.
All the best to the Chipolopolo as we wait for the three points and AFCON qualification.

We are in the Week 11 and it seems all is well with the Football Association of Zambia in as far as the broadcast of the MTN Super League is concerned.
It is sad that viewers continue to be be treated to sub-standard live broadcast in which the pay channel claimed it was putting the MTN Super League at the forefront of AI Technological Revolution.
What is happening is more like taking the country 20 years back when our national broadcaster struggled with equipment but not anymore as ZNBC is more equipped to do a better job than what fans are currently being subjected to.
It is sad that the AI camera lacks replays and visuals freezing during matches.
One needs a telescope or something to identify anything.
Wishing you all a wonderful sporting weekend and let us interact via email on eliaschipepo@gmail.com