Avram Grant Reflects on Opening Defeat, Eyes Stronger Chipolopolo Response in Next Game

Zambia national team coach Avram Grant has admitted that his side fell short of expectations in their opening match at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), following a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo on Thursday afternoon in Nairobi.

Speaking to the media in the post-match interview, Grant offered a candid assessment of Chipolopolo’s performance, pointing to both technical shortcomings on the pitch and logistical challenges in the build-up to the match.

“First, I want to say congratulations to Congo, they fought very well today, and they deserved the win,” Grant began. “As for us, we didn’t play well. We didn’t play like we want to play. But it’s also the first time this group is playing together.”

The Israeli tactician revealed that the squad’s preparations were far from ideal, with no friendly games played ahead of the tournament and internal practice matches scrapped due to late travel disruptions.

“We didn’t have friendly games, and we couldn’t even play between ourselves because of problems with the flight we had planned. Even our training yesterday was late, at 5:30, which isn’t good for recovery,” he said, while stressing that these were not excuses but important context.

On the pitch, Grant lamented Zambia’s lack of fluidity and defensive lapses that handed DR Congo both goals.

“We didn’t move the ball well, and we didn’t defend well. The first goal came from a throw-in where we were not marked properly, and the second came from us losing the ball too easily in the back four. We lost too many balls cheaply, and that’s not how champions play,” he said.

Zambia showed a glimpse of life late in the second half, creating a handful of chances in the final 15 minutes — but the damage had already been done.

“We had good chances late on, very good chances, but we missed. Congo didn’t create many, but they were clinical and finished well. That made the difference.”

Despite the loss, Grant struck a tone of resilience, reminding both players and fans that the tournament is far from over.

“I told the players before the tournament, nothing is decided in the first game, whether you win or lose. What matters is how we respond. There’s still a chance, and we must show we are strong,” he said.

Zambia now looks ahead to their second group game, where a positive result will be crucial to keep their CHAN 2024 hopes alive.

“This game is finished. We cannot change the result, but we can learn. I want to see the right mentality. We spoke about this before, now it’s time to show it. We’ll wake up tomorrow and think about the next game. I’m already thinking about the next game.”

Zambia will need a much-improved performance as they prepare to take on their next opponent, Angola on Sunday, in a tightly contested Group A, where only two teams advance to the knockout stage.