- The Zambia vs Kenya CHAN 2024 match is set to be played on Sunday at MISC Kasarani.
- The match will kick off at 3:00 PM EAT, and all tickets are already sold out.
- This match is crucial for Kenya, as they must win to finish top of Group A and secure the opportunity to host the quarterfinals at home.
The men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will be aiming to secure the right to host their quarterfinal clash on home soil when they face Zambia on Sunday, August 17, in their final Group A fixture of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Kenya have already made headlines by advancing to the knockout stages in their tournament debut following Angola’s 2-0 defeat by DR Congo on Thursday.
This result ensured Kenya’s progression, as they hold a superior head-to-head record over Morocco and DR Congo, who currently sit in second and third place, respectively.
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Regardless of Sunday’s result, Kenya have already qualified.
Even if they lose and the other Group A match ends in a draw, Kenya would still finish top of the group.
Zambia vs Kenya: Preview, team news, tickets and where to watch
Harambee Stars have been a revelation in their maiden appearance at CHAN, displaying remarkable grit and determination.
They currently lead Group A with seven points, having won two critical matches and held one of the tournament heavyweights to a draw.
Their campaign began impressively with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
In their second match, despite playing with ten men, they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola.
In their most recent outing, again reduced to ten players, they edged out Morocco 1-0.
Zambia, in contrast, have endured a disappointing tournament, losing all three of their prior group matches.
They began with a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo, followed by a 2-1 loss to Angola, and finally succumbed 3-1 to Morocco.
Despite their struggles, Harambee Stars’ center-back Michael Kibwage has cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that Zambia remains a formidable opponent.
We are fully prepared for Zambia, but it will be a tough encounter,” Kibwage stated during a training session on Thursday.
They will be desperate to finish strongly and make history by defeating the hosts something no team has achieved yet.
We are taking this match very seriously and understand what’s at stake.”
Predicted starting lineups for Zambia vs Kenya
Kenya has enjoyed a full week of training since their previous match against Morocco and are expected to come into the clash refreshed and focused.
Head coach McCarthy is anticipated to rotate the squad again, just as he did in the Morocco game, where he made six changes that proved impactful.
Sunday’s match may see more opportunities for fringe players to showcase their abilities.
Zambia Starting XI
- Mwansa, Nsiku, Tembo, Kampamba, Bwalya, Chisala, Chongo, Mwanza, Chanda, Banda, Chishimba
Kenya XI
- Bryne Omondi; Siraj Mohammed, Kevin Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Lewis Bandi; Alpha Onyango, Ben Stanley Omondi, Edward Omondi, Brian Michira; Felix Oluch, Ryan Ogam
What time does Kenya vs Zambia match kick off
Zambia vs Kenya match is set to kick off at 3:00 PM EAT on Sunday, August 17 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Where to watch the Zambia vs Kenya CHAN match?
The match will be televised on KBC Channel 1 across the East African countries including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
In addition, Azam TV, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation and FUFA TV will air the match live from Kasarani Stadium.
DSTV customers can watch the game on Supersport Africa.
Zambia vs Kenya match tickets
The tickets for the match are already sold out after CAF capped the match attendance to only 27,000 fans who will have the opportunity to watch the encounter live at Kasarani.
However, for the fans who missed out on tickets, the government, in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), has unveiled six fully equipped fan zones where supporters can enjoy the match in comfort and style.and style.
Fan Zones for Zambia vs Kenya match on Sunday
- Uhuru Park – Central Business District (CBD)
- Lucky Summer – Ngomongo Area (Behind Kasarani Stadium)
- Dandora Stadium
- Utalii – Stima Club
- Jacaranda Grounds
- Kibera DC Grounds
Why beating Zambia matters for Harambee Stars?
Kenya must defeat Zambia to finish as Group A leaders.
This will allow them to host their quarterfinal match against either Madagascar or Mauritania, the likely runners-up in Group B.
Should Kenya lose to Zambia, and either DR Congo or Morocco win their match, the Harambee Stars could drop to second place.
In that scenario, they would be forced to travel to Tanzania to face Taifa Stars, the current leaders of Group B.
A draw could still favor Kenya, provided Morocco and DR Congo also draw, a result that would ensure Kenya retains top spot and the all-important home advantage
Meanwhile, for Chipolopolo Boys, this match is a chance to salvage pride.
With zero points so far, they’ll be desperate to avoid finishing the tournament empty-handed and will be pushing hard for at least a point or ideally, a victory.
Zambia vs Kenya prediction
Kenya enter the match as clear favorites, given their superior form and motivation to secure top spot and the home quarterfinal advantage.
However, Zambia will be playing for dignity, and that makes them dangerous.
Expect a fiercely contested battle, as both sides have something meaningful to fight for.