Wedson Nyirenda faces a big task on Saturday to end one of Zambia’s longest competitive winless records against an African giant.
Zambia face Cameroon on Saturday in the two sides second 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B match away in Limbe.
Chipolopolo’s head into the match with just three wins and as many draws from twelve meetings against The Indomitable Lions dating back to 1969.
But Zambia’s only win in their last six meetings came in 1997 in a friendly in Lusaka against a second string Cameroon that they won 3-0 but have since then collected just one draw in a 2-2 home result in 2001 at Independence Stadium in a 2002 World Cup qualifier.
Zambia’s last competitive victory over Cameroon was at the 1990 African Cup in an opening Group B match that Zambia won 1-0 thanks to a 58th minute goals from the late Webby Chikabala.
And Zambia also head into the match in search of their first points in Group B after losing 2-1 at home on October 9 to early leaders Nigeria in Ndola.
Nyirenda, though, is buoyed heading into match after winning his first game in charge on November 8 with a 1-0 friendly victory away against Uganda to end a two-match losing start to his tenure.
But Zambia will be without striker Winston Kalengo, who has two goals in the 2018 qualifiers, due to injury.
Midfielder Nathan Sinkala is also a big doubt.
Sinkala is struggling to be fit after sustaining an ankle in injury on October 29 in TP Mazembe 1-1 away draw against MO Bejaia of Algeria in a 2016 CAF Confederation Cup final, first leg match.
The midfielder substituted in the 27th minute in that first leg match and has been sidelined every since.
Nyirenda has the Zesco United duo of Misheck Chaila and Kondwani Mtonga including Zanaco’s Isaac Chansa as possible options for Sinkala.
In attack, Rodgers Kola might partner Collins Mbesuma after a promising showing when he came on in the 80th minute in the loss to Nigeria.
Ronald Kampamba and Evans Kangwa are Nyirenda’s other the attacking prospects.
Meanwhile, leaders Nigeria will be home an hour later when they hosts Algeria who drew 1-1 with Cameroon in their Group B opener in October at Blida.
Believe it or not Zambia will win.
The only group with three teams – Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria
Zambia has never been anyone’s favourite but if it is winning zambia just wins remember twenty twelve we were under dogs but ended up being champs its very possible afcon twenty twelve champs can do what except less
We need to play to our strength in order to win. Ball on the ground with a lot of pace and trickery.
Wada just needs to be cautious in the first half. 2 holding midfielders will do the trick. If Isaac starts as a box to box midfielder, Zambia will win.