Zambia began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on Thursday with a 2-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo at Nyayo National Stadium. The result leaves the Chipolopolo Boys bottom of Group A, which also features Kenya, Morocco, and Angola.
Despite being record winners of the COSAFA Cup — Southern Africa’s premier competition — Zambia has struggled in recent editions, losing five of their last six matches. Like CHAN, the COSAFA Cup features only locally based players, a group that has underperformed of late.
That poor run has carried into CHAN, with Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves even labelling Zambia “underdogs” in Group A.
Under Avram Grant, Zambia will need big performances from key players to have any hope of progressing. Several underdelivered in the opener, and improvement is urgent.
Here are five Chipolopolo players who must rise to the occasion in Kenya if Zambia is to qualify.
Kabaso Chongo
Chongo was one of Zambia’s standout players during the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year. Keeping the likes of Frankie Musonda and Stopilla Sunzu out of the starting XI, the 33-year-old was the leader of the Chipolopolo backline, helping Zambia qualify for the AFCON. He needs to step up as a senior player at CHAN.
Kelvin Kampamba
Just a month ago, Kelvin Kampamba was ineligible to participate in the 2024 CHAN as he was on the books of Al Madina SC in Libya. However, ZESCO United FC re-signed the playmaker last month. No sooner was he back in his home country than he was summoned for the African Nations Championship.
Zambia’s hopes undeniably rest on Kampamba’s shoulders, who they will be banking on to produce the goods in Kenya.
Andrew Phiri
The Zambian strikers who have featured in the local assembly in recent years have really fallen short of expectations. Andrew Phiri has been one of the best forwards in the Zambian top flight, being the only one to score at least 10 league goals in three consecutive campaigns.
It is high time the FC MUZA striker’s club form transcends to national team colours, as Zambia needs someone who can capitalise on any chances that fall their way at the 2024 CHAN.
Owen Tembo
Crowned the Player of the Year in the just-ended Zambian Super League season, Owen Tembo has been a joy to watch for Power Dynamos FC. He effortlessly dictates the tempo of the game, and his vision and passing are on par with the best in the league.
Should he start for Zambia in the middle of the park at the 2024 CHAN, Tembo will be a key player for Avram Grant’s side.
Rally Bwalya
Rally Bwalya brings vital experience and quality to the Copper Bullets squad at the continental showpiece. He was part of the Chipolopolo squad that made a long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
The NAPSA Stars midfielder, who has plied his trade in Tanzania and South Africa since 2020, is finally back in the local squad, looking to help Zambia win their maiden CHAN.
READ MORE: Zambian Coach Reuben Njavera Appointed Botswana’s Nico United Coach
