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Zambia’s impressive 12-match unbeaten streak in the group stage of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to an end after DR Congo scored two second-half goals to seal a 2-0 victory, leaving coach Avram Grant with much to reflect on ahead of the next Group A fixture against Angola.
The defeat marked a disappointing start for Zambia at the PAMOJA 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
In a candid post-match press conference, Grant acknowledged his team’s poor showing.
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“We didn’t play well. We didn’t play the way we love to play. It’s the first time this team is playing together. Even among ourselves, we couldn’t play properly because of travel issues. Our flight had problems and yesterday’s training was only at 5:30 pm, which wasn’t ideal for recovery. While we’re not making excuses, these are the facts,” said the Zambian coach.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s 17:00hrs clash with Angola, Grant expressed confidence in a better performance, stating the team had already put the DR Congo loss behind them.
“In all aspects we were poor. We didn’t move the ball well, didn’t defend well. We conceded from the wing – our defence was sleeping.
The second goal came from a loose ball. That’s not the Zambian game. We have technically gifted players, so we need to play to our strengths,” he added.
Grant also noted that while DR Congo didn’t create many chances, they were clinical when it mattered most. However, the way Zambia ended the match gave him hope for a turnaround.
The result breathed new life into DR Congo’s CHAN campaign after their opening loss to hosts Kenya.
Following a cautious first half, DR Congo struck in the 51st minute when towering forward Japhet Kitambala Bola outmuscled Zambian defender Killian Kanguluma and laid the ball off to Man of the Match, Ibrahim Matobo, who fired home to break the deadlock.
Grant responded with substitutions, bringing on Owen Tembo, Charles Zulu, and Evans Kanyombo, but DR Congo capitalised again in the 71st minute.
After another loose ball in midfield, Oscar Kabwit Tshikomb sprinted past the Zambian defence and squared for substitute Horso Muaku Malanga, who calmly beat the onrushing Willard Mwanza to seal the win.
Contributed By Samuel Lukhanda
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