TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Zambia's fresh generation out to capture CHAN glory

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has placed his trust in a fresh generation of home-based talents to lead Chipolopolo’s charge on the continental stage for CHAN 2024.

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Blending youth and experience, Grant’s selection draws heavily from the Zambia Super League, one of the most competitive domestic competitions in the region. With a tactical mix of energy and maturity, Zambia is preparing for a stern test.

Their journey reflects a history of promise and near breakthroughs, with the team making its fifth appearance in CHAN. Their best performance came in the inaugural 2009 edition, where they secured a bronze medal.

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Subsequent tournaments in 2016, 2018, and 2020 saw consistent progress to the quarterfinals, though they have struggled to go beyond that stage.

After missing the 2022 edition, Chipolopolo returns eager to break past the quarterfinal barrier and recapture their early tournament success.

They qualified automatically after Mozambique withdrew from the qualifiers following challenges that prevented them from fulfilling the fixtures.

Building for the Future

Beyond chasing CHAN silverware, Zambia’s 2024 campaign serves as a strategic platform for head coach Avram Grant to build for the future. The tournament offers a valuable chance to scout and develop talent for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and deepen the squad ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

With initial groundwork laid through COSAFA Cup participation and their camp at UNILUS Stadium in Lusaka, the team now looks to fine-tune preparations in East Africa and then start their CHAN 2024 journey straight away.

Chipolopolo’s Mission in East Africa

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As the 2024 CHAN tournament unfolds across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking the first co-hosting edition in history, Zambia’s home-based stars carry the hopes of a football-passionate nation.

The blend of tested experience and raw hunger could yet inspire a new CHAN chapter for the 2009 bronze medalists.

Players To Watch:

Kelvin Kampamba, Zesco United’s midfield maestro, known for his vision, technical flair, and ability to create scoring chances. He excels in tight spaces, delivers accurate set-pieces, and dictates the tempo with precise passing. Kampamba is a game-changer whose creativity consistently drives attacking play.

Prince Mumba, a high-energy midfielder (playing for Power Dynamos) who contributes on both ends of the pitch with tireless running and tactical intelligence. He defends robustly, carries the ball forward with purpose, and makes timely runs into the box.

Charles Zulu brings versatility and unpredictability, capable of operating as a winger or attacking midfielder. He combines pace, dribbling, and sharp movement to unsettle defenses, often cutting inside or delivering crosses. His adaptability and creativity make him a key offensive weapon.

Kabaso Chongo, an experienced central defender with strong leadership qualities and excellent game reading. He brings composure, organises the backline efficiently, and is dominant in aerial and one-on-one duels. His presence offers defensive stability and mentorship to younger teammates.

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Zesco United’s Benedict Chepeshi, a consistent and disciplined defender who can play centrally or out wide, offering tactical flexibility. His positioning, tackling, and communication skills make him a steady presence at the back. As a seasoned figure, he brings calmness and structure to the defensive setup.

Evans Kayombo, a pacey, instinctive forward with a knack for finding space and finishing chances. He thrives on quick breaks, makes smart runs, and is dangerous around the box. His hunger and goal-scoring ability make him one of Zambia’s brightest emerging talents.

Andrew Phiri, an exciting winger/forward known for his dribbling, acceleration, and flair in 1v1 situations. Frequently cuts inside to shoot or creates chances from wide positions, adding flair to the attack. Still developing, Phiri’s raw talent and unpredictability make him a player to watch closely.

With strong voices from both experienced players and rising stars, Zambia is gearing up for a serious CHAN campaign, driven by ambition, depth, and internal competition as reported by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Zambia’s assistant coach, Moses Sichone, has confirmed that competition is heating up in camp, with players giving their all to secure a spot in the final CHAN squad.

“There’s real intensity and hunger with everyone fighting for a place. The atmosphere is competitive, and that’s exactly what we want,” said Sichone.

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Veteran defender Kabaso Chongo emphasised the team’s ambition, noting, “We are targeting better outcomes in CHAN this time. We’ve learned from the past and are determined to do better.”

Meanwhile, emerging midfield talent Kemuka echoed the team’s focused mindset and expressed confidence despite acknowledging the tournament’s difficulty: “CHAN will be competitive, but we need to show our worth and play with belief.”