Let’s deal with the facts first, no sugar-coating, no panic, no funeral music, writes Bwezani With Zambian Football
After two games, Zambia has not lost a match. Two draws. Two points. Goal difference: zero.
Yes, we are third in Group A, behind Morocco and Mali, and ahead of Comoros.
That is the group picture.
But this AFCON is not only about the top two.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: BEST THIRD-PLACED TEAMS
This AFCON qualification rules allow the FOUR best third-placed teams across all groups to advance to the knockout stage.
As things stand:
1. Mozambique is leading the best third-placed ranking
2. Benin is also ahead
3. Zambia is still in the qualifying zone
4. Tanzania is just behind Zambia
Several groups are yet to be decided
This means Zambia is NOT out. This also means every single goal, point, and minute now matters.
WHAT THE COMOROS GAME TOLD US (AND WE MUST ACCEPT IT)
The 0–0 draw against Comoros did not kill us , but it exposed us.
We looked predictable
We struggled to break a low block
We played with pressure instead of courage
That game reminded us that AFCON does not forgive comfort. You must earn your way out , tactically, mentally, emotionally.
This is not about insulting players. It’s about adjusting before it’s too late.
NOW COMES MOROCCO: THE HARDEST GAME, BUT ALSO THE CLEAREST MATH
Zambia’s final group match is against Morocco , tournament hosts, strong, organised, confident.
Let’s be honest:
A win is a miracle , but miracles exist in football
A draw is GOLD
Even a narrow defeat, depending on other results, can still keep Zambia alive
One point against Morocco could be the point that takes Zambia through as a best third-placed team.
That is why this match is everything.
WHAT MUST CHANGE , IMMEDIATELY
This is where belief meets action:
The coach must protect players emotionally, not expose them
The bench must be trusted , fresh legs, fresh ideas
We must play without fear, because fear already lost us nothing and gained us nothing
This is the game where: Structure matters, Discipline matters and Decisions matter
WHY THIS STORY IS NOT OVER
Other groups are still unfolding.
Results elsewhere will open doors.
AFCON always does.
Zambia does not need favours , we need competitiveness. If we fight, stay compact, and take our moments, the table can still smile at us.
And this group is tight.
“Mwala umodzi sungamange nyumba, koma umodzi ungayambitse.”
(A single stone cannot build a house, but it can start one.)
The journey is not finished yet. Monday will tell us who we really are.
🇿🇲