Tanzania — Zambia : Match Preview and Prediction for October 08,2025

Team Tanzania: Undergoing a Major Restructuring

The Tanzanian national squad heads into this fixture amidst a comprehensive overhaul. Head coach Hemed Suleiman has openly stated that the World Cup qualifying campaign is, in essence, over for his team. Their entire focus has now shifted towards preparing for future tournaments, particularly the home Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

Coach’s Vision: Prioritizing Youth Development

The coach’s direct statements reveal a clear strategy: “We have begun building the team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the home AFCON 2027. That is why we called up many young players for this qualifying match against Zambia.” These are not mere words; they are an acknowledgement that an experimental lineup will take the field, where immediate results are secondary to blooding young talent.

Crucial Defensive Blow for Tanzania

Compounding the challenges for the home side’s defense is a significant personnel setback. Captain and central defender Dickson Job will be unavailable due to a hamstring injury. The absence of a defensive leader invariably deals a massive blow to tactical setups and the cohesion of the backline, a loss that cannot be mitigated without repercussions.

Zambia’s Unwavering Determination

The Zambians, conversely, arrive in Zanzibar with a distinctly different mindset. Head coach Avram Grant unequivocally outlined his team’s objectives during the press conference. His squad has no intention of relying on mathematical permutations; their sole mission is to secure victories in their remaining fixtures.

Lessons Learned from Previous Encounter

Grant vividly recalls the reverse fixture, which his team lost. However, his analysis of that match is crucial for our prediction. The coach emphasized that they had numerous attempts on goal but failed to score and ultimately lost. This indicates that Zambia possesses the capability and tactical understanding to breach Tanzania’s defense, creating an abundance of chances. The issue was solely with execution, and the team is now focused on addressing this.

Player Mentality and Insider Knowledge

The players’ morale perfectly aligns with the coach’s vision. Forward Kennedy Musonda, who spent three seasons playing in Tanzania, explicitly stated, “we are hungry for victories.” He further added that he has an excellent understanding of the weaknesses of his former league colleagues, which represents a significant tactical advantage.