Champions Zambia began their defence of their COSAFA Cup 2024 title with a 2-0 loss to East African visitor team Kenya at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday.

The encounter followed Zimbabwe’s 1-0 victory over the Comoros in their Group B opening, and it puts record seven-time winners Zambia on the back foot as they pursue an incredible third title in a row.

This year, only the top team from each of the three pools, as well as the best placed runner-up, advance to the semifinals, so everything is on the line, and any mistakes put teams on the back foot.

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Kenya took the lead after eight minutes when Austine Odhiambo converted a penalty kick.

Soon after, weak defending at the back post allowed Patrick Otieno to break in and score, poking the ball past Zambia custodian Charles Kalumba.

Zambia dominated possession in the second half, but they were unable to produce enough opportunities in front of goal to get back into the game.