MULENGA: TONIGHT WILL SHOW WHAT ZAMBIA IS MADE OF

Former Zambia midfielder Clifford Mulenga says tonight’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo will provide a crucial test of the Chipolopolo’s character, discipline and ability to respond to adversity.

Zambia host Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, seeking to recover from last Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their opening Group I qualifier.

Mulenga says the match should not be viewed simply as a contest for three points, but as an opportunity for Zambia to demonstrate greater football intelligence and maturity.

“This is not just about beating Togo. It is about whether Zambia can respond to adversity with football intelligence or simply with emotion,” Mulenga said.

He highlighted the contrasting recent records of the two teams, noting that Zambia have managed one win, two draws and seven defeats in their last 10 senior internationals, while Togo have recorded four wins, three draws and three defeats.

Mulenga also pointed to the historical head-to-head record, with Zambia winning three of the seven previous meetings and Togo four, with no draws.

However, he stressed that statistics will not determine the outcome.

“Fortunately, statistics don’t play the game, people do,” he said.

Collective rhythm needed

Mulenga believes Zambia possess enough individual quality to trouble Togo but says that talent must be supported by collective discipline and organisation.

Reflecting on the Algeria match, he said Zambia showed both courage and weaknesses, particularly in their defensive structure, efficiency in the final third and transition play after losing possession.

“Tonight, those mistakes could be punished again,” he warned.

According to Mulenga, Togo are unlikely to open the game up unnecessarily after collecting three points from their opening match, and could instead rely on a compact defensive structure and counter-attacking opportunities.

He says Zambia must therefore remain patient while maintaining attacking intensity.

“We must attack but we must not panic. We must be aggressive but intelligent,” Mulenga said.

He has identified the wide areas as an important avenue for Zambia to exploit, while urging the team to get its best attacking players into positions where they can threaten the Togolese defence.

Discipline against desperation

Mulenga says one of Zambia’s biggest challenges will be maintaining their shape if the match does not go according to plan.

“Can we chase the game without losing our shape? Can we dominate without becoming reckless?” he asked.

He believes emotional desperation could play into Togo’s hands by creating spaces for them to counter-attack.

The former midfielder has also challenged the technical bench to make the necessary adjustments as the match develops.

For Mulenga, the encounter will reveal whether Zambia can combine urgency with discipline.

“International football is not won by reputation, it is won by execution,” he said.

He has called on the Chipolopolo to show personality, structure and courage while maintaining the fighting spirit associated with the national team.

Mulenga concluded by challenging Zambia to demonstrate whether they can handle the pressure of needing a result without abandoning their tactical discipline.

“So, ba Chipolopolo, what are we going to be tonight, desperate for three points, or mature enough to go and earn them?”

Mulenga backed Zambia to win the match 2-0.