Preview: Zambia vs. Equatorial Guinea - prediction, team news, lineups

In search of a third consecutive World Cup qualifying victory, Equatorial Guinea make the journey to the National Heroes Stadium on Sunday to lock horns with Zambia.

Meanwhile, the home side head into the clash in Lusaka looking to avoid a third defeat on the bounce and breathe life their qualifying campaign.

Match preview

Zambia suffered a second 2-0 defeat on the trot when they travelled to the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo on Thursday to take on Equatorial Guinea.

Saul Coco broke the deadlock 11 minutes before the interval, before Emilio Nsue struck with three minutes of normal time remaining to put Beston Chambeshi's men to the sword.

Since picking up an opening-day win over Mauritiana, the Chipolopolo have failed to pick up a point from any of the subsequent two matches and currently sit third in the group.

More importantly, Sunday's hosts are now six points behind current leaders Tunisia, meaning that a defeat this weekend could spell the end of their already slim chances of qualification.

In stark contrast to Zambia, Equatorial Guinea were defeated 3-0 in the opening round of matches but have since amassed six of a possible six points available.

As a result, Juan Micha's men have moved up into second place in the group and are just three points off the top midway through the qualifiers.

The Nzalang Nacional are also yet to concede in both of their last two matches which is bad news for this weekend's opponents who have failed to score in that time.

Sunday's visitors, who have won only one of their last six games away from home, must arrest their slump on the road to boost their chances of going through.

Team News

Twenty-year-old Prince Mumba was given his marching orders last time out and the Kabwe Warriors midfielder is suspended for Sunday's clash.

In Mumba's absence, the likes of Larry Bwalya and Kelvin Kampamba will be pushing to earn a place in Chambeshi's starting lineup for this one.

Patson Daka endured a frustrating day in front of goal in midweek but the Leicester City forward is still one to keep an eye on this weekend.

Emilio Nsue's clincher versus Zambia was his 13th strike for the away side, and he has now stretched his lead at the top of the all-time scoring chart to four goals.

Zambia possible starting lineup:
Chibwe; Chanda, Mwape, Chiluya, Chepeshi; Musonda, Sakala, Chama, Chapa, Bwalya; Daka,

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:
Owono; Coco, Ndong, Anieboh, Akapo; Siafa, Buyla, Bikoro, Machin; Miranda, Nsue

We say: Zambia 1-1 Equatorial Guinea

Zambia have some catching up to do following those consecutive defeats and will be keen to come away with all three points in this one. The visitors, on the other hand, have turned a corner of late, so we predict that the sides will have to settle for a point apiece come the final whistle.

Previews by email