The Chipolopolo Boys were handed a reality check in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), falling 2-0 to regional heavyweights DR Congo in a cagey yet clinical affair played at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the opening half, Zambia lacked cutting edge in the final third, and it was the Congolese who punished their defensive lapses in the second stanza.
First-Half Stalemate as Zambia Dominate Possession
DR Congo came into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat to tournament hosts Kenya, and they came out of the blocks firing—pressing Zambia high and nearly grabbing an opener within the first minute. But the Chipolopolo Boys soon grew into the game, with midfielders Rally Bwalya and John Chishimba dictating the tempo as Zambia looked to establish control.
Despite having more of the ball, Zambia lacked cohesion in the attacking third. Neither side registered a shot on target in the first 45 minutes, with the opening half ending in a goalless stalemate—much to the frustration of both technical benches.
Second-Half Collapse as DR Congo Punish Defensive Errors
The second half started with a bang, and it didn’t take long for DR Congo to seize the initiative. In the 51st minute, Ibrahim Matobo latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and rifled a low drive past a diving Willard Mwanza, putting DR Congo 1-0 up and sending their bench into wild celebrations.
Zambia tried to respond with quick interchanges and wing play, but the Congolese defence remained resolute. Things went from bad to worse for the Chipolopolo in the 71st minute, when Horso Mwaku added a second goal. The move started with a costly turnover by Kelvin Kampamba, who was dispossessed by Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb. The Congolese forward raced forward on the counter and unselfishly squared the ball for Mwaku, who made no mistake from close range.
Group A Standings and What’s Next for Zambia
With the result, DR Congo move to second place in Group A behind Morocco, who defeated Angola 2-0 earlier in the day. Zambia now find themselves third, ahead of bottom-placed Angola on goal difference.
Coach Moses Sichone will be demanding a response from his side as they prepare to face Angola on Sunday in a crucial encounter. Anything less than three points could spell early elimination for the Zambians, who are looking to better their previous CHAN performances.
Zambia’s Starting XI vs DR Congo:
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Goalkeeper: Willard Mwanza
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Defenders: Benedict Chepeshi, Killian Kanguluma, Kelvin Kampamba, Chongo Kabaso (C)
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Midfielders: Rally Bwalya, Andrew Phiri, Wilson Chisala, Kelvin Kapumbu, John Chishimba
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Forward: Jackson Kampamba
Substitutes: Francis Mwansa (GK), Kebson Kamanga, Happy Nsiku, Owen Tembo, Charles Zulu, Charles Kalumba (GK), Fredrick Mulambia, Kelvin Mwanza, Dominic Chanda, Evans Kayombo, Mathews Banda, Timothy Sichalwe
Final Thoughts
Zambia’s CHAN 2024 campaign has started on the wrong foot, and immediate improvements are needed—both defensively and in the attacking department. The encounter against Angola is now a must-win, and the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff and players to deliver a performance that reflects the talent within the squad.
Will Chipolopolo bounce back and keep their CHAN dreams alive? All eyes turn to Sunday’s showdown.
