![Double Champions Red Arrows Beaten 5-0 By Al Hilal-CECAFA](https://bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Double-Champions-Red-Arrows-Beaten-5-0-By-Al-Hilal-CECAFA.jpg)
Double Champions Red Arrows Beaten 5-0 By Al Hilal-CECAFA
Red Arrows started their CECAFA journey on a positive note, collecting maximum points after defeating Kenyan Champions Gor Mahia FC by a goal to nil. The decisive goal was scored by veteran striker James Chamanga, who came on as a substitute and tapped in a rebound in the 76th minute, securing the win for the Zambian side.
However, instead of solely focusing on their next match, the Red Arrows technical bench decided to include pre-season preparations during their two-day break from the tournament. They utilized the beach sand environment for endurance sessions, which was pre-planned to maximize resources. This strategy may have backfired, as the players did not fully recover and had to prepare for their next match with added fatigue.
Al Hilal, a team from Sudan, had not seen much match action due to the political situation in their country. Since March, they had only played one game on June 25th, where they beat Al Wadi 7-1, and before that, they lost 1-0 to Esperance. Despite their limited match practice, they looked fitter than the Red Arrows players, who had been in camp and on national duty.
The need for more financial investment in Zambian teams is evident. Increased player paychecks and attracting quality players to the league, especially for teams participating in continental competitions, would enable them to compete more favorably. Teams like Simba SC have heavily invested in their squads, and this investment has been reflected in their domestic and continental performances.
The winners of the Dar Port Kagame Cup will pocket US$30,000, with the runner-up taking US$20,000 and the third-placed team US$10,000. Given these stakes, it would have been prudent for the Red Arrows to prioritize winning the tournament. However, the technical bench chose to experiment by giving game time to other players like third-choice goalkeeper Jeban Temba, Cedrick Onyumbe, and K.K Mbuyi. These players have been given opportunities to prove themselves, but the results have been inconsistent.
Red Arrows conceded early in the 9th minute when Al Hilal’s Adama Coulibaly put the Sudanese team ahead. Things went from bad to worse for the Zambian champions as they struggled to recover.
In my opinion, it’s better to focus on the CECAFA prize money rather than preparing for the CAF Champions League, whose outcomes are more uncertain. By aiming to win the CECAFA tournament, Red Arrows could build momentum and confidence for future competitions. On Tuesday, Red Arrows play their last group game against Djibouti Telecom FC. I expect the coach to field a strong squad to give a clear picture of the team’s current standing and what needs to be improved moving forward.
Group B Table After Match Two
Al Hilal: P2 W2 D0 L0 P6
Red Arrows: P2 W1 D0 L1 P3
Djibouti Telecom: P2 W0 D1 L1 P1
Gor Mahia: P2 W0 D1 L1 P1
Red Arrows will play Djibouti Telecom FC on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the KSM Stadium.
Bola Yapa Zed Analysis
By: Coach Enock Phiri
![](https://bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/imageedit_1_2635451560-3.png)
![ZPL Teams Not Yet Ready To Conquer Africa](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ZPL-Teams-Not-Yet-Ready-To-Conquer-Africa.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Zambian Super League
ZPL Teams Not Yet Ready To Conquer Africa
![Young Chipolopolo Drawn in Group B of COSAFA U20 Championship](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Young-Chipolopolo-Drawn-in-Group-B-of-COSAFA-U20-Championship.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Zambian Football News
Young Chipolopolo Drawn in Group B of COSAFA U20 Championship
![Barbra Banda Makes Ballon d’Or Shortlist](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Barbra-Banda-Makes-Ballon-dOr-Shortlist-e1725471257141.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Zambian Football News
Barbra Banda Makes Ballon d’Or Shortlist
![MTN Super League Week 4: Top Scorers Chart](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/MTN-Super-League-Week-4-Top-Scorers-Chart.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Bola Yapa Zed
MTN Super League Top Scorers Chart
![Malawi Football: Promise Kamwendo Caught in Transfer Saga](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Malawi-Football-Promise-Kamwendo-Caught-in-Transfer-Saga.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
African Football
Malawi Football: Promise Kamwendo Caught in Transfer Saga
![MTN Super League 2024 25 Week 1 Fixtures Announced](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MTN-Super-League-2024-25-Week-1-Fixtures-Announced.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Zambian Super League
MTN Super League 2024/25 Week 1 Fixtures Announced
![Zpl National Division One Week One Fixtures 2024-25 Season](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Zpl-National-Division-One-Week-One-Fixtures-2024-25-Season.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
FAZ National League Fixtures
Zpl National Division One Week One Fixtures 2024-25 Season
![Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Match-Highlights-Atletico-Lusaka-vs-Napsa-Stars.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Bola Yapa Zed
Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars
![Watch Barbra Banda's Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Watch-Barbra-Bandas-Brace-for-Orlando-Pride-Against-Seattle-Reign.jpg?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
Zambian Football News
Watch Barbra Banda’s Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign
![Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil](https://i0.wp.com/bolayapazed.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Match-Highlights-Uruguay-Vs.-Brasil-jpg.webp?resize=80%2C80&ssl=1)
General Football News
Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil
Must Read
-
Profiles
/ 6 months agoMangani Banda: A Goalkeeper’s Journey to Stardom
Mangani Banda: A Goalkeeper’s Journey to Stardom Mangani Banda, born on July 13, 1997,...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Super League
/ 1 day agoZPL Teams Not Yet Ready To Conquer Africa
ZPL Teams Not Yet Ready To Conquer Africa Zambian football clubs, once dominant in...
By Enock Phiri -
Zambian Football News
/ 2 days agoYoung Chipolopolo Drawn in Group B of COSAFA U20 Championship
Young Chipolopolo Drawn in Group B of COSAFA U20 Championship Defending champions Zambia have...
By Chikondi -
Results
/ 3 days agoZPL: Women’s Super-Division Week 4 Recap
ZPL: Women’s Super-Division Week 4 Recap Week 4 of the ZPL Women’s Super-Division delivered...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 3 days agoBarbra Banda Makes Ballon d’Or Shortlist
Barbra Banda Makes Ballon d’Or Shortlist Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has etched her...
By Chikondi