African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024)
Group A, Matchday 2
DR Congo 2 Zambia 0
Kenya 1 Angola 1
Nairobi, Kenya: DR Congo roared back into contention at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a 2-0 victory over Zambia in Group A on Thursday evening at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku ended the Leopards’ five-match winless streak in the competition and revived their quarter-final hopes after an opening-day defeat to co-hosts Kenya.
The result was also historic as Zambia suffered their first-ever group stage defeat at CHAN, ending an unbeaten run of 12 matches dating back to their debut in the tournament.
After a tight and goalless first half, DR Congo returned from the break with renewed purpose. In the 51st minute, Jephte Kitambala linked with Matobo, whose fierce right-footed strike crashed into the top corner to put the Leopards ahead.
Zambia pressed for an equaliser through Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu, but goalkeeper Brudel Efonge produced a string of top saves to preserve DR Congo’s lead.
The killer blow came in the 71st minute. A swift counterattack led by Oscar Kabwit found Mwaku, who drilled home from the centre of the box to make it 2-0 and end the Leopards’ 427-minute goal drought in the tournament.
Ten-Man Kenya Stand Tall Against Angola
In the other fixture at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, co-hosts Kenya battled to a 1-1 draw against Angola despite playing over 70 minutes with ten men.
Angola struck first in the 7th minute when Jó Paciência finished off a slick passing move. Kenya responded quickly as Austin Odhiambo won a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a foul inside the box, and he calmly converted in the 12th minute for his second goal of the tournament.
Kenya’s task became harder in the 21st minute when Marvin Nabwire saw his yellow card upgraded to a red after another VAR check. Down a man, coach Benni McCarthy’s side defended with grit and discipline.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was heroic, pulling off crucial saves to deny Matias and Paciência. Angola thought they had a late winner when Kaporal found the net, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Group A Standings After Matchday Two
- Kenya – 4 points
- DR Congo – 3 points
- Morocco – 3 points
- Angola – 1 point
What’s Next
Kenya will face Morocco in their final group game, needing a result to reach the CHAN quarter-finals for the first time, while Angola must beat DR Congo to stay in the tournament, and the Leopards will also advance with a win.
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