Zambia national team coach Chisi Mbewe says his side accounted for itself well despite falling to a 2-0 defeat to Kenya last night in their opening match at the 2024 HollywoodBets COSAFA Cup tournament.
The Chipolopolo conceded two goals in the first-half against the Harambee Stars who scored through Austin Odihambo and Patrick Otieno at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth to kick-off their COSAFA Cup title defence in Group B on a gloomy note.
The record seven-time competition winners were disadvantaged further in the second-half as captain of the side Kelvin Kapumbu was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Speaking after the match, the Chipolopolo coach said his side put up a good performance and were unfortunate to have let in two goals in the early stages of the match.
“I think we had a great game, its just unfortunate that we allowed goals in the early minutes of the game but I think the team played well. We created chances but it’s just unfortunate” Mbewe said.
Mbewe says his side remains in contention to progress into the knockout phase and will aim to deliver improved performances and results when they face Zimbabwe and Comoros in their next two games in Group B.
“We have got a chance to qualify, the most important thing is we don’t need to look down after this loss. We need to come up very strong and ensure that we keep our dreams of defending the title alive” he said.
Zambia face Zimbabwe in their next Group B fixture on Sunday and wrap up their group stage campaign against Comoros on Tuesday, 2nd July 2024.
