Zambia head coach Avram Grant has revealed a unique target for his team ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), setting them apart from most of the competition.
Unlike other nations eyeing the trophy, Zambia’s priority at CHAN 2024 is player development rather than silverware. Grant, who has managed top clubs in Europe, including Chelsea, emphasized that the tournament provides a valuable platform to identify and prepare local talents for the senior national team. With Zambia’s national squad largely composed of home-based players, the CHAN tournament presents an ideal environment to test and refine them.
Placed in a formidable Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and co-hosts Kenya, Zambia faces a difficult path in the tournament. DR Congo and Morocco are past CHAN champions, while Angola arrive as COSAFA champions. Despite being considered underdogs in the group, Zambia are not shying away from the challenge.
Grant believes the high level of competition will serve his team well. According to him, such a tough group will accelerate the growth and exposure of Zambia’s players. His goal is to see some of the standout performers transition to the main national team setup and even attract interest from European clubs.
The CHAN 2024 tournament, set to take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offers a timely test for Zambia as they prepare for future continental and global assignments. The Chipolopolo have already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and are also preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Zambia’s approach is rooted in long-term strategy. Grant is focused on balancing youth and experience within the squad, nurturing younger players through exposure to high-pressure matches. He remains optimistic that this developmental focus will pay off during the tournament.
Zambia’s best finish at CHAN came in the inaugural 2009 edition when they secured third place. They will open their 2024 campaign against DR Congo on August 7 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, aiming to make an impression not by lifting the trophy, but by unveiling the next generation of Chipolopolo stars.
