DR Congo reignited their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Zambia, while hosts Kenya held Angola to a gritty 1-1 draw despite playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes, in Thursday’s Group A double-header at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship in Nairobi.
At the Nyayo National Stadium, the Leopards of DR Congo delivered a composed second-half performance to claim all three points against a Zambia side coached by former Ghana boss Avram Grant.
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After a goalless first half, Ibrahim Matobo opened the scoring in the 51st minute with a powerful finish following a slick move involving Jephte Kitambala. The Congolese side doubled their lead in the 71st minute through substitute Horso Mwaku, who rifled home from the center of the box after being picked out by Oscar Kabwit on a quick counterattack.
The victory ended DR Congo’s five-game winless run at the CHAN and handed Zambia their first-ever group stage loss in the competition’s history, snapping a 12-match unbeaten run. It also revived the Congolese hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals after their opening day loss to Kenya.
Zambia, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm in the final third despite late chances from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu. Brudel Efonge produced a solid display in goal for DR Congo, earning praise for his critical saves.
In the second game of the day at the Moi International Sports Centre, 10-man Kenya battled to a dramatic 1-1 draw with Angola, maintaining their lead at the top of Group A.
Jó Paciência gave Angola the lead in the 7th minute with a composed low finish, but the Harambee Stars responded quickly when Austin Odhiambo converted a penalty five minutes later following a VAR-confirmed foul on him by Mafuta.
The match turned on its head in the 21st minute when Marvin Nabwire was shown a red card after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow, forcing Kenya to play the majority of the match a man down.
Coach Benni McCarthy’s men held firm with resilient defending and sharp goalkeeping from Byrne Omondi, who made several key saves to preserve the draw. Angola thought they had scored a late winner through Kaporal, but the goal was ruled out for offside after another VAR intervention.
The draw keeps Kenya top of Group A with four points, followed by Morocco and DR Congo on three.
Angola sit bottom with one point and face a must-win final group game against DR Congo to keep their hopes alive.
