Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys began their 2024 COSAFA Cup campaign on Thursday night with a humiliating 2-0 loss to invited guests Kenya, who entered the competition with an under-23 squad.
The Chisi Mbewe-coached side conceded the first goal nine minutes into the match after Kenya won a penalty, which Austine Atieno converted to put his side in the lead.
The Harambe players definitely had their plan in place, which was to defend deep, even if Zambia made multiple attacks that appeared to have some purpose.
As Kenya kept trying to counterattack, defensive woes persisted in the Zambian half. In the 19th minute, Brain Kalimina succumbed to pressure and erroneously scored an own goal, giving Kenya a 2-0 lead.
Kenya’s defense proved too strong for the Zambian attackers, as they maintained a clean sheet despite several attempts by Zambia to find the back of the net, which only ended in 13 corners.
Zambia largely dominated the second half but it was pretty too late as Kenya was determined to protect their lead which they successfully did.
Mbewe’s reaction after the game
Reacting after the match, coach Chisi Mbewe said his team played well and it was just unfortunate that they conceded two early goals.
“I would say we had a great game. We just unfortunately that we allowed goals in the early minutes of the game,” Mbewe told reporters after the game. “ But I think the team played well. We created chances. We were just unfortunate, and may I also even say congratulations to, to Kenya.”
The reigning ABSA Cup and MTN Super League winning coach is optimistic his side will bounce back to winning ways.
“It was an interesting game and being it a first game for us, we just need now to go back into training, we come back for the second game and ensure that we come back to our winning ways.”
Mbewe also wants his team to improve stating that every team wants to beat them as defending Champions.
“I think we need to improve. Like I mentioned in the early minutes of the game, I think we gave Kenya too many chances. I think the first goal was that we did not balance well. That’s why we even caused that penalty. For the second goal, again, I think the balancing and defence were not organized. We did not do well. I think going forward, we just need to be solid in defence, and again, upfront, we did not create so many chances.”
He added: “From the beginning of our preparation, we have reminded the team that it is not going to be an easy game. Knowing that we are the defending champions. I think teams will, will try to to beat the champions. But like I mentioned, I think two mistakes in this game that has caused us to lose. But I strongly believe that we will come back very strong.”
Zambia’s next game will be on Sunday against rivals Zimbabwe.
