Stars lapses cost us – coach
ZANZIBAR: TAIFA Stars Coach Hemed Suleiman has said the group they were in (Group E) in the FIFA World Cup qualifier was within Stars’ gasp but they let it slip away.
He was speaking after the national team was beaten 1-0 by Zambia National Team – Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets) on Wednesday night at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
“We let it slip away. At one point, we had nine points and two home games to seal qualification. But poor finishing and lapses in key moments have cost us dearly. This group was within our grasp,” Suleman said sadly.
His counterpart – Avram Grant, on the other hand, disclosed: “It was a must-win game and the players showed great resilience. Sakala’s goal was well-timed and our second-half tactics worked perfectly. Now, we prepare for the final game against Niger. It’s all or nothing.”
It was a night of heartbreak for Tanzania and a night of renewed hope for Zambia, as Fashion Sakala’s second-half goal sealed a dramatic 1–0 victory for the Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets) in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
The Wednesday night defeat crushed Tanzania’s hopes of making the 2026 World Cup playoffs, just months after they seemed on course to finish second in Group E. Instead, it’s Zambia who keep their journey alive, but just barely.
The match began cautiously, with neither side willing to take early risks. Tresford Mulenga in Zambia’s goal enjoyed a quiet first half as the Taifa Stars, despite dominating possession at times, failed to test him meaningfully.
Attempts from Feisal Salum and Morice Abraham failed to hit the mark.
In contrast, Zambia showed more purpose after the break. Coach Avram Grant made bold tactical switches, introducing Kennedy Musonda and Lameck Banda — changes that would ultimately tip the scales. With 74 minutes on the clock, Zambia struck with surgical precision.
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Skipper Kabaso Chongo launched a long diagonal pass to Lubambo Musonda, whose low-driven cross sliced through the Tanzanian defence.
Waiting at the far post w a s Fashion Sakala, who coolly slotted home — marking his 10th international goal and silencing the crowd in Zanzibar. The goal was more than just a winner; it was a statement.
After a lengthy absence from the national team due to a fallout with Grant, Sakala marked his return in style — delivering when it mattered most.
According to Group E Standings (After Matchday 7) Morocco have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after bagging 21 points.
Zambia must beat Niger by at least two goals to have any chance of finishing second and qualifying for the playoffs.
Zambia will return home to Ndola for a decisive clash with Niger, one final shot to rescue their World Cup dream.
With Group E featuring only eight matches (following Eritrea’s withdrawal), FIFA is expected to apply a points-pergame system to determine the best second-placed teams.
