Preview:Zambia vs. Comoros - prediction, team news, lineups

Zambia play host to Comoros on Tuesday at the National Heroes Stadium in their sophomore Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.

The hosts head into this one off the back of a defeat last time out, while the visitors go in search of back-to-back victories to start the qualifiers.

Match preview

Zambia fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against the Elephants of Ivory Coast in Friday's encounter at the Stade de Yamoussoukro.

Goals from Serge Aurier, Christian Kouame and Ibrahim Sangare left Aljosa Asanovic's men with a mountain to climb before Patson Daka pulled one back late on.

Chipolopolo have now lost three of their four outings since the turn of the year and are in need of a pick-me-up going forward.

Next up is the task of taking on an opposing side who have lost both of the previous two clashes between the teams by a combined score of 6-1.

Having thrashed Mauritania 4-1 in their last competitive game on home turf, Tuesday's hosts will be confident of picking up another huge victory as they look to kickstart their journey to qualification.

Comoros eased past the challenge of Lesotho in a routine 2-0 victory at the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini on Friday evening.

Second-half goals from Youssouf M'Changama and Benajaloud Youssouf got the job done for Amir Abdou's men in front of a jubilant home crowd.

As a result, Les Coelacantes sit second in Group H of the qualifiers, level on points with group leaders Ivory Coast after the opening round of matches.

Looking to make it three wins on the bounce for the first time since last November, Tuesday's visitors will be full of confidence ahead of their next outing in Lusaka.

Team News

With no fresh injury or suspension concerns, we expect Aljosa Asanovic to name an unchanged starting XI as he seeks a response from his players.

However, 21-year-old Prince Mumba could be dropped to the bench following a subpar display last time out which saw him subbed off at half time.

Comoros' Youssouf M'Changama will be looking to continue his rich goalscoring form as he now boasts four goals in his last five appearances for club and country.

Twenty-eight-year-old Benajaloud Youssouf will be pushing for a start here after he came off the bench to score the clincher against Lesotho.

Zambia possible starting lineup:

Nsabata; Kabwe, Musonda, Mwape, Musonda; Kangwa, Mwepu, Banda; Sakala, Daka, Mumba

Comoros possible starting lineup:

Ahamada; Abdallah, M'Dahoma, Zahary, M'Changama; Bakari, Abdullah, Bachirou, Selemani; Youssouf, El Fardou

We say: Zambia 2-1 Comoros

Having suffered defeat in their opening fixture, the onus is more on Zambia to take control of proceedings and grab the game by the scruff of its neck. We are tipping them to come out on top, albeit by only a slender margin.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.