Zambia are set to kick off their 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a thrilling Group A encounter against DR Congo at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

The Chipolopolo side, under the guidance of head coach Avram Grant, are chasing their first CHAN title. Their best result came back in 2009 when they finished third.

DR Congo head into the game with their backs against the wall after a 1-0 defeat to Kenya in their opening match. They now face a fresher Zambian outfit that only arrived in Nairobi three days earlier.

Leopards head coach Otis Ngoma was candid following the setback. Speaking previously about the defeat to Kenya, Ngoma acknowledged DR Congo squandered too many clear chances against Harambee stars. He emphasised there is no room for excuses as the side aims to bounce back on Thursday.

The tactician had also pointed out his defence’s need to improve in finishing, as the Leopards were wasteful despite creating multiple opportunities against Kenya last Sunday.

Zambia squad

However, Zambia has enough armoury in its stable to neutralise the Congolese soldiers with Kabaso Chongo, who spent some time in DRC plying his trade for TP Mazembe and Kelvin Kampamba, who places in any Zambian set-up, is assured.

The likes of Rally Bwalya, Benedict Chepeshi, Kelvin Kapumbu, Charles Zulu and Prince Mumba have already featured in top ties in their careers and will be relishing the CHAN challenge. It is also an opportunity for greenhorns like Kelvin Mwanza, Mathews Banda, Happy Nsiku, Wilson Chisala and Evans Kayombo to launch themselves on the big stage.

Elsewhere in Group A action, hosts Harambee Stars will be seeking to build on their Sunday victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday, August 7, 2025, as they take on Angola. The particular side promises to be tense as both sides will be looking to bag maximum points at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, starting at 7 pm.

Harambee Stars, under the guidance of head coach Benni McCarthy, will be seeking to register their second group win and increase their chances of reaching the quarterfinals at the tournament, while on the other hand, Angola will be aiming to record their first win at the 2024 African Nations Championship after enduring a 2-0 defeat to Morocco last Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.