Musonda rallies Zambia fans ahead of Chad clash

Zambian striker Kennedy Musonda believes that the Chipolopolo fan base will play a crucial role in their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare for their Group G tie against Chad at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 3:00pm (CAT, GMT+2)

CURRENT FORM

Currently sitting in 2nd position in Group G, Zambia commenced their Afcon qualifying bid with a 2-0 defeat against the Ivory Coast.

However, Avram Grant’s charges bounced back in their subsequent fixture, with a 3-2 win against Sierra Leone at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on the 10th of September.

Chad on the other hand, remain winless after two matches played in Group G so far.

Les Sao, as they're affectionately known, recorded a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone in their initial qualifier before suffering a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast thereafter.

WHAT WAS SAID

Zambia striker Kennedy Musonda has urged the nation’s supporters to come out in their numbers tomorrow and expressed how their presence spurred them on during awkward positions in the past.

“It’s a very important game, it’s a big game,” Musonda said.

“It puts us in a position and a chance to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. I think fans underestimate how important they are, they underestimate the morale they give the team.

“For us, it can never be a bigger message to invite them to come out in their numbers because that will give the team a bigger boost.

“Zambia has come back from behind countless times before and that all comes from the extra boost from the fans.”

TEAM NEWS

Zambia will be without Patson Daka for their upcoming matches after the Leicester City striker suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season friendly in August. However, Frankie Musonda will be available for selection after shaking off his respective injuries. Also, Chipyoka Songa was called up to the Zambian team for the first time of his career and could feature for Grant in the next couple of fixtures.

Chad currently have no real injury concerns ahead of their game against Chipolopolo and are expected to name their strongest starting XI on Friday.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Zambia and Chad have met on two occasions in the past, with the most recent result being a 1-1 draw during an Afcon Qualifier on the 16th of June, 2007. In the other game between the two nations, Zambia bagged a 1-0 win over Chad in an Afcon qualifying match on the 3rd of September 2006.