Zambia coach Avram Grant wary of Harambee Stars threat ahead of Four Nations Tournament

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FOOTBALL Zambia coach Avram Grant wary of Harambee Stars threat ahead of Four Nations Tournament

Festus Chuma 16:06 - 13.03.2024

Zambia national team head coach Avram Grant has warned against underestimating Kenya in the Four Nations Tournament.

Zambia national team head coach Avram Grant has made it clear that his team will not take Harambee Stars lightly in the upcoming Four Nations Tournament scheduled to be held in Malawi from Monday 18 March to Tuesday 26 March.

The tournament, which also features Zimbabwe and the host nation Malawi, is set to be a showcase of some of the best football talents in the region.

Despite Zambia's superior ranking and being considered the favorites, Grant has expressed respect for all participating nations, highlighting the potential threat they pose. 

"I prefer to play against Brazil or Argentina, but teams in Africa are improving a lot. We see what is happening in Tanzania, Kenya, and others. I think it will be a good tournament and a good test," Grant said, emphasizing the strides African football has made in recent years.

The former Chelsea manager pointed out the evolving competitive nature of the continent's football landscape, referencing the recent performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

"Most of the teams in Africa perform well, and football in Africa is moving forward. Even at the Africa Cup of Nations, you saw that there are no easy games anymore, not for them and not for us," he added.

Kenya, on the other hand, is not just participating for the experience. The Harambee Stars are on a mission to continue their pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

In June, they are set to face the African Champions, Ivory Coast, and their CECAFA neighbors, Burundi, in what promises to be a challenging qualification campaign. 

Kenya participated in a similar tournament in Mauritius last year, defeating Pakistan before suffering a narrow loss to the host nation.

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