Zambia have revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Togo in their Group I qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday.
The Chipolopolo made the perfect start when Albert Kangwanda struck in the second minute, giving Zambia an early advantage and putting Togo on the back foot.
After taking the lead, Zambia had to withstand periods of pressure from the visitors, but the home side managed to protect their advantage and eventually put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.
Eliya Mandanji scored in the fifth minute of added time to make it 2-0 and seal Zambia’s first points of the qualifying campaign.
The victory comes as an important response after Zambia opened their Group I campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Algeria on September 25. Fashion Sakala had equalised for Zambia in that match before Algeria scored twice in the second half to take all three points.
Togo had entered Tuesday’s match with three points already in the bag after beating Burundi 1-0 in their opening qualifier, meaning the result in Ndola was particularly important for Zambia’s position in the group.
Looking for the latest sports odds and markets? Check them out here.
With the three points, Zambia move back into contention in Group I, which also contains Algeria and Burundi.
The qualification race is being played over six matchdays, with the teams facing each other home and away. For groups that do not contain one of the three AFCON 2027 co-hosts, the top two teams qualify for the tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
What’s next for Zambia?
The Chipolopolo will not have to wait long for their next AFCON qualifying assignment.
Zambia’s next two Group I matches are against Burundi in November.
The first meeting will be played in Zambia on 11 November 2026, before the Chipolopolo travel to Burundi for the return fixture on 15 November 2026.
Those two matches could prove extremely important in determining Zambia’s position heading into the final two rounds of qualification.
After the November double-header against Burundi, Zambia will face Algeria at home on 24 March 2027, before completing their group campaign away to Togo on 28 March 2027.
The victory over Togo therefore gives Zambia renewed momentum, but there is still considerable work ahead.
The Chipolopolo now have to build on Tuesday’s result, collect points against Burundi in November and put themselves in a strong position before the decisive final fixtures against Algeria and Togo next March.
For interim coach George “Chicken” Lwandamina and his players, the 2-0 victory provides the response Zambia needed after the disappointing start in Algeria.
The road to AFCON 2027 remains open for Zambia, but the November fixtures against Burundi will be the next major test.
🚨 DON’T MISS OUT — REGISTER HERE! Join thousands of sports fans exploring today’s betting markets and give yourself a chance to be among the winners. 18+ | Terms and conditions apply | Gamble responsibly.
