Zambia’s Chipolopolo will attempt to salvage pride on Sunday when they close out their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign against hosts Kenya at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Avram Grant’s side have endured a torrid tournament in Nairobi, losing all three of their Group A fixtures — 2-0 to DR Congo, 2-1 to Angola, and 3-1 to Morocco, and sit bottom with no points.
The former Chelsea coach may use the dead rubber to rotate his squad, with Kenneth Kasanga and Power Dynamos midfielder Prince Mumba tipped for rare starts.
Rising youngsters Mathews Banda, Happy Nsiku and Kelvin Mwanza also impressed in their cameo against Morocco and could feature again.
For Kenya, the stakes are much higher. The Harambee Stars, rejuvenated under South African coach Benni McCarthy, lead the group on seven points and are already assured of a quarter-final place.
A win would guarantee top spot and allow them to remain at their Kasarani fortress, where fervent home support has turned matches into carnival-like affairs.
Goalkeeper Bryne “Bayo” Omondi has been a standout with a string of decisive saves, while defender Sylvester Owino has anchored a resilient backline. Midfielder Austin Odhiambo, nicknamed “the Rolls Royce” has been the team’s creative engine, earning plaudits for his control and vision.
Kenya may even relish adversity; they have twice looked sharper with 10 men, something that could worry Zambia’s veterans such as skipper Kelvin Kampamba, Kabaso Chongo, and Rally Bwalya, who are also eyeing places in next month’s World Cup qualifier against Morocco in Ndola.
With Morocco and DR Congo level on six points and set to clash for the second spot, Angola already eliminated with four points, and Zambia stranded at the base, the Nairobi showdown promises to be a clash of ambition against consolation.
