Zambia vs Kenya Predictions - Zambia to start defence of their title with a victory

Zambia and Kenya meet for the first time in the COSAFA Cup.

Zambia lost their opening group stage fixture 1-0 against Malawi at the COSAFA Cup last year before turning their fortunes round by defeating Comoros 2-1 and Seychelles 4-2 to reach the knockout stage.

Zambia beat hosts South Africa 2-1 in the semi-final and Lesotho 1-0 in the final to record back-to-back titles. 

Chipolopolo have won four consecutive fixtures in the competition, including one loss. They scored nine goals and conceded five. 

Zambia have been the dominant force in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup, winning three titles in their last four editions, including seven overall, giving them the advantage over a Kenya side making their first appearance in the competition in over a decade. 

Zambia Team News & Injuries

Head coach Chihi Mbewe has unveiled a 23-man team for this edition of the COSAFA Cup.

Albert Kangwanda was the joint top scorer at the 2023 COSAFA Cup with three goals. 

Goalkeepers: Victor Chabu, Willard Mwanza, Charles Kalumba

Defenders: Mathews Chabala, Killian Kanguluma, Chitoshi Chinga, Mathews Banda, Brian Chilimina, John Chishimba, Owen Mwamba, Zachariah Chilongoshi

Midfielders: Dickson Chapa, Frederick Mulambia, Austin Muwowo, Abraham Siankombo, Kelvin Kapumbu, David Simukonda, Owen Tembo, Saddam Yusuf Phiri

Forwards: Albert Kangwanda, Andrew Phiri, Jimmy Mukeya, Ricky Banda

After a lengthy absence from the competition, Kenya returns to the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup for the first time since 2013. 

Kenya drew against Lesotho 2-2 and defeated Eswatini 2-2 before losing against Botswana by two goals to one the last time they featured at the COSAFA Cup. 

The Emerging Stars have won two of their last five fixtures, including two losses and one draw. They netted five goals and conceded one.

Kenya have a tough assignment to beat the defending champions in their opening group match, as they have brought an inexperienced side to the 2024 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup. 

Coach Ken Odhiambo has named a 23-man squad of under 23 players to compete at the competition.

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Ibrahim Wanzala, Dolph Junior

Defenders: Alphonce Omija, Paul Ochuoga, Sylvester Owino, Geoffrey Onyango, Hanniff Wesonga, Amos Wanjala

Midfielders: Stanley Wilson, Elly Owande, Chrispine Erambo, Aldrine Kibet, Austine Odhiambo, Patrick Otieno, John Ochieng, Kaycie Odhiambo, William Gitamu, Rooney Onyango

Forwards: Benson Omalla, Jeremy Bissau, Alfred Tanui, Hassan Beja