THERE is a lot to fight for tonight when Zimbabwe and Zambia clash in a 2021 AFCON qualifier at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Kick off is 6pm.
The Warriors stirred resentment from the fans back home following their lifeless performance against Botswana last week.
Chipololpolo found no one at the airport, including officials from the Football Association of Zambia, to welcome them back home from the 0-5 drubbing in Algeria.

Zambia President, Edgar Lungu, was even critical when he commented on the defeat, while urging the Copper Bullets to find a way to appease the nation.

Zimbabwe caretaker coach, Joey Antipas, and defender Alec Mudimu yesterday sounded positive when they responded to questions from the media at Zambia’s Football House in Lusaka.

“Morale is very high, we regrouped quite quickly (from the 0-0 draw with Botswana) and we are keeping high spirits, faith and belief in each other,’’ said Mudimu.

“It’s a game we are not going to shy away from, in fact, we are more than excited to get going and play.

“It’s something that players want to prove to the coaches, and not only to themselves, that we are more than capable to step up to the ladder and produce in such big occasions.’’

Zimbabwe are third in the Group H standings behind leaders Algeria, who were expected to play Botswana in Gaborone last night.

“It’s very disappointing when you dominate the game for so long, with so much possession, only to draw,’’ said Mudimu.

“Actually, it feels like a loss, sometimes but we have dealt with it.

“It has brought more togetherness and camaraderie among the players. We know what we need to do in our game on Tuesday.

“We are more than prepared to bounce back and rectify the situation. The players are confident.”

Caretaker coach Antipas has many options to turn to in a side that has tried-and-tested players like Khama Billiat, Marvelous Nakamba, Kuda Mahachi, Teenage Hadebe, Marshal Munetsi and Knox Mutizwa.

But the duels between these Southern African nations have always been difficult to predict.

The last time the two nations faced off in an AFCON campaign in 1993, both legs ended in stalemates.

The only other time the two teams were paired in the same group for AFCON qualification was in 1981 with Zambia beating Zimbabwe 1-0 and 2-0 over the two legs in Harare and Lusaka.
Zambia are in a difficult spot this time.State media