Niger vs Zambia Prediction: Both sides will score

Both teams, Niger and Zambia, are striving to secure their maiden qualification for the prestigious FIFA World Cup, making this Group E CAF World Cup qualifier at Stade de Marrakech a significant encounter. Niger has set their sights on competing for the second spot in a challenging group that includes 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists Morocco. Similarly, Zambia, having begun their journey with a victory in the previous round, is eager to continue their pursuit of a spot in the tournament in North America.

Due to the revised format of the CAF qualification process for the 2026 World Cup, Niger commenced their eight-game qualification campaign on Saturday in their temporary home of Morocco against Tanzania. However, the West African minnows were unable to secure any points from the match. The contest remained goalless in the first half, but Tanzania managed to upset their hosts, securing a winning strike in the 56th minute. Charles M'Mombwa, an attacker from A-League side Macarthur, found the net with a shot that deflected heavily, leaving Niger's 27-year-old goalkeeper, Mahamadou Djibo, helpless. Niger has experienced a tumultuous year, starting with their historic achievement of reaching the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship for the first time. However, their journey was halted by a 5-0 defeat against African giants Algeria in the semi-finals. Since then, Niger has faced challenges, losing all six of their competitive matches, leading to their failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. One noteworthy player for the hosts in Tuesday's match is 21-year-old Abdoul Darankoum, who currently plays for Moldovan club Sheriff. Since moving from the Niger Premier League in August 2021, Darankoum has made 26 appearances and scored one goal for the former Champions League side.

After an impressive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Zambia began their journey to the USA, Canada, and Mexico with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Congo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Friday evening in Ndola. Notably, Patson Daka, who has seen limited playing time at Leicester City due to competition, showcased his sharpness by scoring two goals in the match. In a two-man forward line alongside Daka was Fashion Sakala, a former Rangers attacker, who added another goal to his international career tally. This victory propelled Zambia to the top of Group E standings, although the section favorites, Morocco, are yet to play. In contrast to the hosts, Avram Grant's side is eagerly anticipating participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Zambia is placed in a group alongside DR Congo, Tanzania, and Morocco, with the latter two also being part of the Copper Bullets' World Cup qualification section.

Niger put up a respectable performance against Tanzania in their previous outing, but facing an in-form Zambia side in another home clash presents a more formidable challenge. The Copper Bullets, with the striking partnership of Daka and Sakala, appear capable of posing problems for many nations in CAF. As a result, we anticipate the visitors securing maximum points on Tuesday night.