Zambia is in Group B joined by Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, and Mauritania.

The Tunisians come in strong ranking 26th on the FIFA world rankings and having won 4 of their last 5. These include wins over Mali, Congo DR, Equatorial Guinea and Libya; losing only to Algeria.

Equatorial Guinea is ranking 132nd on the FIFA world rankings and having won 3 of their last 5. In that period, the Nzalang Nacional have recorded back-to-back wins over Libya, a home win over Tanzania and two defeats at the hands of Tunisia in the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers.

Mauritania equally comes in decent foam ranking 101st on the FIFA world rankings and having recorded 3 wins of their last 5. They have managed wins over the Central Africa Republic, Liberia and Yemen; drawn with Morocco and lost to Algeria.

The Chipolopolo boys, who will head into the World Cup Qualifiers on the back of poor results are ranking 87th on the FIFA world rankings and having recorded 2 wins of their last 5. The wins came against Bostwana and Sudan; a draw with South Africa and loses to Eswatini and Lesotho respectively, which culminated in the departure of Serbian Coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević.

Following unveiling of Zambia’s new technical bench comprising Beston Chambeshi, Numba Mumamba and Aljosa Asanovic, all is set for commencement of preparations.

A three-month contract has been given to the technical bench to guide the 2012 AFCON Champions through the tricky Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will have five representatives at Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Only group winners of the ten groups will qualify to the final round where they will be drawn into five home-and-away ties. The winners of each tie will advance to the World Cup.

The biggest threat to Zambia’s progression to the next round in the quest for her maiden appearance is North African side, Tunisia. The two have met 12 times with Zambia only managing two draws and three wins.

The Carthage Eagles have been to five World Cups, four of which came in the last six editions.

Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania are not walk overs either and Beston Chambeshi and his technical bench will do well to win their home games and try to avoid defeat on the road.

FULL GROUP STAGE FIXTURES

Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

September 1, 2021

Mauritania vs Zambia

September 5, 2021

Zambia vs Tunisia

October 6, 2021

Equatorial Guinea vs Zambia

October 10, 2021

Zambia vs Equatorial Guinea

November 11, 2021

Zambia vs Mauritania

November 14, 2021

Tunisia vs Zambia