Zambia - Tanzania predictions and free betting tips [21/01/2024]

In the second round of Group F in the Africa Cup of Nations, the Zambian and Tanzanian national teams are set to cross swords.

Zambia

Zambia's national team struggled to hold a 1:1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations, displaying a less than convincing performance. The only goal for Zambia came from their sole shot on target, capitalising on a blunder by Congo's goalkeeper. The goal was secured by Kangwa after a severe goalkeeping mistake before a throw-in, with an assist from Leicester City's Patson Daka. After this, Congo dominated the play but failed to net the winning goal.

Leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia illustrated solid results. This team, absent from major continental tournaments since their sensational victory in the 2012 Africa Cup, is back under the leadership of experienced coach Avram Grant. Under his stewardship, the Zambians have showcased some thrilling attacking gameplay, amassing 18 goals in 10 matches. In recent fixtures, Zambia drew 1:1 with Cameroon on 9 January 2024, suffered a 1:2 defeat against Niger on 21 November 2023, but managed to secure a 4:2 victory over Congo in the World Cup qualifiers on 17 October 2023 and trounced Uganda 3:0 in a friendly.

Zambia's lineup boasts several former players from the Russian league, particularly from Arsenal Tula. Key veteran Stopilla Sunzu, from the Chinese club, Jinan, is renowned for his decisive penalty kick during the Africa Cup final. Other important players include Kings Kangwa of Red Star and Lameck Banda.

Patson Daka of Leicester, on the verge of transitioning to the English Premier League, is considered the team's main star. Fashion Sakala, a "legend" of "Spartak", who then moved to Rangers, reaching the Europa League final, and now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, cannot go unmentioned either. These players could play a pivotal role in Zambia's Africa Cup performance.

Tanzania

The Tanzanian national team predictably succumbed to the superior Moroccan team with a scoreline of 0:3 in the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations. The game spiralled out of control for the Tanzanian team, especially after the 70th-minute dismissal of Novatus Miroshi, following which Tanzania conceded two more goals. The team made only two attempts on goal, none of which hit the mark, marking one of the worst performances in the first round of the tournament.

Tanzania's squad approaches the tournament as one of the least formidable sides, with a limited pool of recognised players. However, there are several key figures worth noting. Captain Mbwana Samatta is the squad's second-leading scorer and currently is a free agent, having spent the majority of his career in North Africa and the Middle East. Another crucial player is Simon Msuva. Also part of the squad is Novatus Miroshi, on loan at Shakhtar from Belgian club Zulte Waregem.

Tanzania's recent results reveal a mixed bag. On 7 January 2024, they lost 0:2 to Egypt. A game against Zanzibar on 27 December 2023 ended in a goalless draw. On 21 November 2023, Tanzania lost 0:2 to Morocco, but managed to secure a 1:0 victory over Niger on 18 November 2023.

Head-to-Head

In previous matchups between Zambia and Tanzania, recent games suggest Zambia's upper hand. In the African Nations Championship on 19 January 2021, Zambia won against Tanzania with a score of 2:0. Another encounter took place on 5 July 2017 in the COSAFA Cup, where Zambia triumphed over Tanzania with a resounding 4:2 victory.

Prediction for the Zambia - Tanzania match

Despite their initial setback, the Zambian squad is evidently superior to Tanzania's, which failed to show anything of substance and appears as the worst team at the Africa Cup. Zambia thus has grounds to redeem itself and possibly secure a victory.