Zambia Head Coach Avram Grant Slams 'Unfair' VAR Following CHAN 2024 Elimination Ahead of Harambee Stars Clash

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has lashed out at the handling of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after his side’s elimination from Group A on Thursday.

The Chipolopolo bowed out following a 3-1 defeat to Morocco at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi — a match marked by a controversial disallowed goal in the second half.

Morocco, buoyed by their pedigree and sharp ball control, dominated the first half before Zambia mounted pressure after the break. Backed by sections of the Kenyan crowd, Zambia thought they had drawn level in the 64th minute when a scrambled effort appeared to cross the line.

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However, the referee ruled it out for a foul on Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar in the build-up — without consulting VAR.

That decision proved pivotal. Just minutes later, Oussama Lamlaoui rose highest to head home Morocco’s second, before the Atlas Lions sealed the win with a late third goal.

“We scored a goal in the second half that was disallowed, and I do not understand why VAR was not used,” Grant said. “This is the third game in a row they have not used VAR and I do not understand why.”

Despite his frustration, Grant commended his players’ effort, particularly in the first half.

“I think despite the result, the boys did well. We defended well in the first half, especially on set-pieces. Congratulations to Morocco, I love their style, but today I thought we deserved more.”

He also reiterated that Zambia’s CHAN campaign was as much about player development as it was about results.

“Our target for CHAN is to see which players can make the step up to the main team. Of course we want to win. 

“We tried our best, but we have bigger targets. Most of our players play in the local league, so we were using this platform to see who can make the step up to the main national team.”

With their elimination confirmed, Zambia now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with Kenya’s Harambee Stars at Kasarani Stadium.

 For Kenya, a win would secure top spot in Group A and likely avoid a daunting quarter-final trip to Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

For Zambia, it will be a chance to regroup and continue building toward future tournaments, as Grant seeks to develop a competitive core for the senior Chipolopolo side.