Kenya v Zambia: How Chipolopolo Late Arrival Could Prove an Advantage at CHAN 2024

Zambia's men’s national team became the last to arrive for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi late on Saturday night ahead of their Group ‘A’ campaign opener against DR Congo on Thursday.

The Chipolopolo, who finished third in the inaugural edition of CHAN in 2009, arrived to a spirited welcome by a group of jubilant supporters that included Zambian nationals living in Kenya, embassy officials, and members of the team’s advance delegation.

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The players, however, skipped media interviews and were quickly escorted to their team bus after clearing Immigration formalities.

Despite the late arrival, team officials insist that Zambia are well-prepared and focused on the task ahead.

"We knew about this tournament for long and we have been preparing well. We are excited to be here and we are ready to compete," said Mutale Ng'andu, the Head of Delegation and Vice President of the Football Association of Zambia.

Zambia will open their Group ‘A’ campaign against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday, August 7, at 4pm.

Their arrival came just hours before the group kicks off on Sunday, with co-hosts Kenya facing DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani at 3pm, and Angola taking on Morocco at 6pm at Nyayo.

Though last to report for duty, Zambia had the luxury of a delayed schedule, giving them a strategic edge as they get to watch their group rivals in action before taking the pitch themselves.

"Playing on Thursday gives us an advantage. We get to watch our opponents play tomorrow and even though the weather in Nairobi is similar to that in Zambia, we have more time to acclimatise and learn local culture," Ng'andu added.

The tournament is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Hosts Tanzania opened the tournament in style with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Zambia will be making their fifth appearance at CHAN and arrive with a proud group-stage record intact—having never lost a group match in the tournament’s history.

Their unbeaten streak in CHAN group stage matches currently stands at 12 and will be rigorously tested against a tough Group A lineup featuring past finalists and champions.

In addition to Kenya and DR Congo, Zambia will also face Angola—runners-up in 2011—and Morocco, who have won the tournament twice. It's a challenging group, but Chipolopolo are confident in their preparations and pedigree.

"The boys are in high spirits, and the technical bench has done everything to ensure we are mentally and physically ready," said a Zambian FA official who asked not to be named.

Zambia's coach is expected to conduct his first training session on Sunday afternoon, using the next four days to finalize tactics and team shape.