Zambia play Niger in the two sides first-ever meeting at international level when they clash in a 2015 Africa Cup Group F qualifier on Saturday.
The match is the first leg doubleheader between the two sides who meet in four days time again in at 18h00 kickoff on Wednesday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zambia head to Niamey on a low note after losing 2-1 away to Cape Verde on September 10 in their previous Group F qualifier in Praia.
The result left Zambia third on one point from two games played and are five points behind leaders Cape Verde.
Niger are bottom of Group F tied on one point with Zambia.
Coach Honour Janza, though, is certain Zambia will bounce back in Niger despite heading to the Sahel on the back of an away defeat exactly a month ago.
“The target is to get three points. We are looking at winning this game that is what is on our mind and the boys know that,” Janza said.
Janza has carried a healthy side with the only absentee being defender Stopilla Sunzu who withdrew from the trip following the death of his sister on wednesday.
The major highlight will see for the first time since 2006 that Zambia will have more home-based players than overseas call-ups in the team with 12 and 11 players respectively in the 24-member travelling party.
Nkana striker Ronald kampamba and Zanaco midfielder Roderick Kabwe who were dropped for the last two Group F qualifiers are in the team and in line for their Africa Cup qualifiers debut.
Meanwhile, an away win could potentially lift Zambia into second place on four points should Cape Verde beat second placed Mozambique on the same day away in Maputo.
Mozambique, who held Zambia to a scoreless draw on September 6 in Ndola, have two points from as many games played.
The top sides from each of the seven qualifying groups plus one best third placed side at the end of the last games on November 19 will join hosts Morocco in next years finals from January 17 to February 8.
Natulenwafye mukwai
Ba Zambia always hoping to reap on other teams misfortunes,ati should cape verd beat Mozambique and we win,the we go second on the table.But you all started on the same note.
Bar man one mosi plz
The coach is a dunder head and leaves much to be desired
Is it worh the risk of contracting Ebola from West Africa and bringing it to Zambia?
Zambia is going NOWHERE!!
The coach Honour Chansa has been “demoted”. Perhaps the new Dutch coach will give us a win In Niger
Hmmm, Zambia National Soccer Team I love you and I love Zambia. Go Zambia Go. Whether we lose or win, Zambia forward.
Coaches put right people in those positions to get much desired results
WIN OR LOSE ZAMBIA IS THE BEST!
Whatever comes mwe! Football is just a game en u expect nthng for now its go Zambia go!