DR Congo Roar Back to Defeat Zambia 2-0, Rekindling CHAN 2024 Hopes in Group A
After a narrow defeat to hosts Kenya in their opening fixture, the Leopards knew that only a win would keep their knockout stage hopes alive. And they delivered in style—displaying dominance in possession, tactical discipline, and two clinical second-half goals—to secure their first points of the tournament and pile pressure on group rivals Kenya and Angola.
DR Congo reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group A fixture on Thursday evening at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. The result not only breathed life into the Leopards’ tournament hopes but also ended a frustrating five-match winless streak in the CHAN competition.
Having opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to co-hosts Kenya, pressure was mounting on Otis Ngoma’s men to respond — and respond they did. A spirited second-half display, spearheaded by goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku, earned DR Congo their first points in the tournament and put them firmly back in the race for quarter-final qualification.
This victory also carries historical significance: it marked Zambia’s first-ever group-stage defeat at the CHAN tournament, ending a 12-match unbeaten streak that had stood as one of the competition’s most impressive records.
The opening 45 minutes were largely uninspiring, with both teams adopting cautious approaches. The match was marked by heavy midfield battles and few clear-cut chances. DR Congo’s playmakers, including Jephte Kitambala and Oscar Kabwit, struggled to find spaces in a compact Zambian setup, while Chipolopolo looked tentative and short of creative spark in the attacking third.
Coach Avram Grant’s side were unable to assert themselves, leaving the encounter goalless at halftime.
The break seemed to rejuvenate DR Congo. Just six minutes into the second period, a well-worked move saw Kitambala pick out Ibrahim Matobo, who rifled a superb right-footed shot into the top left corner from the edge of the area. The 51st-minute strike finally ended the Leopards’ 427-minute goal drought at CHAN and shifted the momentum squarely in their favour.
Zambia responded with urgency, making a series of substitutions — including the introduction of experienced winger Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia — to find a way back into the match. However, the Congolese defence, marshalled confidently by goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, repelled every threat.
In the 71st minute, DR Congo struck again. This time it was substitute Horso Mwaku who finished off a brilliant counterattack initiated by Oscar Kabwit. Mwaku latched onto a precise through ball and powered home from close range to double the advantage.
From that moment, DR Congo controlled the tempo, shutting down Zambia’s advances and protecting their lead with authority.
Despite their historical strength in the group stages, Zambia never found their rhythm. Their passing lacked cohesion, and their attacking moves were often undone by poor decision-making in the final third. The best chance fell to Charles Zulu in the 89th minute, but his header was expertly saved low by Efonge — a moment emblematic of Zambia’s frustrating evening.
Coach Avram Grant, visibly animated on the touchline, will now have to regroup his players quickly ahead of their next must-win match to avoid early elimination. For
Coach Otis Ngoma and his charges, this result was about more than just three points. It was a response of character, determination, and tactical discipline. Man of the Match Ibrahim Matobo led from the front, while Efonge’s composure in goal and the sharp interventions of Kitambala and Kabwit helped lay the foundation for a morale-boosting triumph.
Substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume also impressed, bringing fresh energy and urgency that proved decisive.
The win blows Group A wide open. DR Congo, Morocco, and hosts Kenya are now level on three points apiece, separated only by goal difference. Zambia and Angola, both yet to win, face uphill tasks in their final group matches to stay alive in the tournament.
Later tonight, Kenya will take on Angola in a crucial fixture that could further shape the dynamics of the group. DR Congo will next face Morocco in what is expected to be a group decider — a match that could determine who tops the pool and who goes home.
DR Congo vs Morocco – A high-stakes clash with quarter-final implications.
Zambia vs Kenya – A must-win game for Zambia if they are to avoid a shock early exit. Angola vs Kenya (Tonight) – Could tilt the group balance further.
As CHAN PAMOJA 2024 continues to unfold, DR Congo’s resurgence adds another thrilling chapter to a tournament already brimming with unpredictability and drama.
Final Score: DR Congo 2 – 0 Zambia
Goalscorers:
Ibrahim Matobo (51’)
Horso Mwaku (71’) Man of the Match: Ibrahim Matobo (DR Congo)
Venue: Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
Attendance: Packed crowd under the Nairobi night sky
Stay tuned for more CHAN 2024 updates and in-depth match coverage.
