The Chipolopolo sign off their African Nations Championship (CHAN) assignment against hosts Kenya and may need to dig deep to salvage their severely wounded pride.
Coach Avram Grant and his lads are aiming to finish the campaign on a winning note after posting three straight defeats in Group A domiciled in Nairobi.
Zambia will face a soaring Harambee Stars inspired by South African national Benni Mcarthy and looking to top their group and maintain the Kasarani Stadium base, which has proved to be their fortress thus far.
Grant may give a running to some players that have not tested action like the speedy Kenneth Kasanga and possibly a running for the Power Dynamos midfield dynamite Prince Mumba.
However, the show may belong to the youthful trio of Mathews Banda, Happy Nsiku and Kelvin Mwanza who shone brightly on their start in the herculean task against two-time champions Morocco.
The already tested lads like Kabaso Chongo, skipper Kelvin Kampamba, Kelvin Kapumbu, Rally Bwalya and Dominic Chanda may be auditioning for a place in the FIFA World Cup qualifier place next month against Morocco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Zambia will not only be up against the 11 Harambee stars, possibly 10 as they have ironically seemed stronger with a man down but the vociferous fans that have turned Kasarani into a giant carnival of football.
Kenyan goalie Bryne ‘Bayo’ Omondi has been formidable between the sticks with some Man of the Match performances with the rock solid Sylvester Owino at the heart of defence and arguably the spear of the team Austin Odhiambo who is rightfully nicknamed the Rolls Royce.
Ultimately the contest will boil down to the most hungry and tactical side on the day the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium.
Kenya tops Group A with seven points with Morocco and DR Congo tied on six points and will duel for the second spot this evening.
Already eliminated Angola finished with four points while Zambia is at the base with naught points.
Zambia started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to DR Congo before succumbing to a 2-1 loss to Angola and suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Morocco to remain bottom of Group A.
Only two teams in each group qualify to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.
Kickoff is at 14h00 CAT (Zambian time) with the match live on SuperSport 227 and ZNBC TV
| FAZ |
