Avram Grant: Zambia Coach Sends Message to Kenyans After CHAN 2024 Exit
- Avram Grant had a beautiful parting shot for Kenyans following his side's exit from the African Nations Championships (CHAN)
- Zambia lost all the group stage matches, including the final 1-0 loss to Harambee Stars, to leave the competition early
- The former Chelsea head coach also addressed his long-term future with the Zambian national team after CHAN elimination
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Zambia head coach Avram Grant has sent a beautiful message to Kenyans despite his team's exit from the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Source: UGC
The Chipolopolo were eliminated after losing all four group stage matches in what was a disastrous showing for them.
Their last loss came against Kenya's Harambee Stars on Sunday, where a Ryan Ogam strike in the second half was the difference.
Zambia came into the game having already been eliminated, but wanted to leave the tournament with their heads held high.
They frustrated Kenya for long periods, but couldn't make their half-chances stick.
In the 75th minute, Ogam executed a quick half-turn inside the box and unleashed a shot that left Charles Kalumba in the Zambian goal scrambling.
Zambia coach sends message to Kenyans
Grant was gracious in defeat and elimination despite collecting 0 points from a possible 12.
The former Chelsea boss, who managed the 2008 Champions League final, also had a lovely message for Kenyans, whom he thanked for their hospitality during their entire stay in Kenya.
"The atmosphere was great, fantastic reception and hospitality by the Kenyan supporters, and I want to wish Kenya all the best in the rest of the competition."
Will Avram Grant leave Zambia job?
The Israeli national also revealed he isn't worried about his job despite the catastrophic showing in Kenya.
Zambia opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss to DR Congo before Angola completed a 2-1 comeback win over them.
They frustrated Morocco in their third game, but the two-time champions eventually won 3-1, which knocked them out of the competition.
Grant revealed that he was using the competition to see which players he could integrate into the main squad.
"I think first we improved our defence, we conceded almost every goal two goals, and today we did it well. We missed a big, big chance in the first half, which we could have scored. The players tried their best. I don't have any complaint about their effort; they gave a lot of effort," he said.
Source: UGC
"We came here to see if there are some players that can help the national team. I'm happy that I'm here as the first team coach to see the next generation, how they behave, how they play, winning mentality, mentality in general, quality of football. I also told them that the target is to move to the national team, but they need to show quality and other things."
What next for Zambia?
Zambia will now retreat and prepare for their next game, where they will face Morocco in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers in September.
Afterwards, they will play Tanzania and Niger before heading out to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
They are drawn in Group A, where they will play Mali, Comoros and the hosts.
"Next for us, CHAN is finished and now we are looking forward to the next game against Morocco and for Africa (AFCON), which is our main target."
On his side, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy revealed that he had warned his players not to underestimate Zambia.
"I said to them today is just a game about continuing the good work that you've done. You've beaten and picked up points against the strongest teams in the group, and today, don't take anything for granted, and Zambia will be a tough opponent. They play really good football, they move around the pitch. That will be extremely difficult."
How Kenya can still play in Tanzania
Harambee Stars have avoided a trip down to Tanzania as they will play their quarter-final match at home against Madagascar.
However, they might still have to travel to Tanzania depending on how their game against the Island nation goes.
Tanzania will play Morocco in the second quarter-final.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
