Zambia Captain Sends Fierce Warning to Harambee Stars Ahead of CHAN 2024 Kasarani Duel

Zambia skipper Kelvin Kampamba has issued a stern warning to Kenya's Harambee Stars ahead of their pivotal 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) Group 'A' encounter this Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Despite Zambia's exit from the competition after a string of losses, Kampamba insists his side will dig in until the dying moments and give their debutant Kenyan hosts trouble.

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The Copper Bullets have had an abysmal tournament in Morocco, losing all of their group matches to DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco.

Avram Grant's side hopes of qualifying into the quarter-finals are shattered, but the captain has stated that they will not be throwing in the towel in their final group game.

Kenya, however, are yet to lose a match and lead Group A, requiring only a victory to seal qualification for the quarterfinals.

"As players, it's very disappointing for us, particularly after losing three in a row. But we are craving a win over Kenya in tomorrow's game. We know it won't be an easy match, particularly for the home team, but we also have to showcase our passion and determination for our nation," Kampamba stated.

Admitting to disappointment at disappointing their fans, Kampamba reaffirmed his personal commitment to deliver for Zambia regardless. He asserted that national duty continues to fuel his hunger and sharpen his game.

"Maybe we have disappointed many fans at home, but as players, we will give it all on the pitch tomorrow. To play for the nation is always a source of great inspiration to me. It boosts my game time and increases my level of competition," he added.

Zambia arrived at this year's championship with what Kampamba described as a "B team" since they lacked some of their world-known stars.

Chipolopolo lack of experience was exposed during the group stage, where their three consecutive losses — a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo, 2-1 defeat to Angola, and 3-1 thrashing at the hands of Morocco.

The captain, however, promises that the final match against Kenya will be different.

"We came here, I can say, with a 'B team' for the Zambia national side. For me, my plan was to come here and perform well for the nation. Sadly, we've been eliminated. But tomorrow in the game, I guarantee we will fight to finish with a victory in our last game," Kampamba summed up.

The Harambee Stars, however, are having a fairy tale start to the CHAN. They began with a 1-0 win over DR Congo, followed by a 1-1 draw against Angola.

The high point in their march was when Ryan Ogam's lone goal ensured a historic 1-0 win over Morocco, leaving Kenya solidly in the qualification driving seat.

Group A is yet to be claimed though. Morocco and DR Congo are behind Kenya by one point only, in a dramatic end to the pool stage.

There is a rich history between Kenya and Zambia in this encounter, with the two nations having met each other 34 times previously.

The Copper Bullets have won 21 of those encounters, but Kenya have won just six.

From 1990 through 2000, Zambia boasted a seven-game winning streak. Recently, the pendulum swung in the opposite direction, with Kenya winning their recent meeting — an October 2020 friendly — 2-1.