Grant still hopeful for World Cup qualifications, eyes playoffs

Zambia has won only two games in six matches played while Tanzania, seated at number two on the table, has three wins in seven matches played, while Morocco tops the group, with a guaranteed qualification to the global showpiece.

Group winners across the nine groups automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup while four second best placed teams proceed to the play-offs where the eventual winner will grab the tenth spot for Confederation of African Football (CAF) teams.

Speaking with determination ahead of tonight’s game against Tanzania at the Amani Stadium in Zanzibar, Grant said his side is ready to battle for second place and keep their World Cup dream alive.

“We are ready for the game. We will do our best and win the games. Calculations will be done afterwards,” he said confidently.

The veteran coach emphasised his agenda to instill a winning mind set in his players, saying Zambia’s progress over the past two and a half years is proof that the team is on the right path.

Grant admitted lessons had been learned from earlier mistakes and promised a stronger, more focused Chipolopolo.

“In football, mistakes are part of learning. We’ve talked about them, and I’m sure we won’t repeat them,” assured Grant.

With Grant’s rallying cry echoing through Zanzibar, Chipolopolo fans are bracing for an all out fight one that could reignite Zambia’s World Cup dream.