Thursday August 7, 2025
- Nyayo stadium, Nairobi 4pm
Two-time winners DR Congo face an uphill task against Zambia aiming to bounce back from defeat to Kenya on match day one.
The Leopards suffered a 1-0 loss to co-hosts at Kasarani on Sunday and must beat Zambia to enhance chances of reaching the knock out phases.
Otis Ngoma, the Leopards tactician rued missed chances against Kenya and wants an improvement in the game against the Chipolopolo.
“We lost many chances in the first game against Kenya, and we have to bounce back. We are not here to make excuses,” said Ngoma.
“We need to improve our weaker areas, especially finishing. That was our biggest letdown. We created so many opportunities, but we didn’t take them.”
In the opposite dugout is Avram Grant who also manages Zambia A and wants to use the competition as a foundation to build a competitive team.
The former Chelsea boss is looking forward to the first game and wants victory.
“Preparations have gone really well, and we’re looking forward to the first game,” said the former Chelsea and Ghana coach after his team’s final training session in Nairobi.
“This is a great opportunity for every player to prove themselves on the big stage. Tactically, we’re not overly focused on our opponents.
“Our attention is on keeping our shape and maximizing our strengths. Our target is to build that winning mentality.”
In the next game on the day, Kenya will face Angola at Moi International stadium, Kasarani.
