Kaporal Inspires Angola’s Late Comeback to Stun Zambia in CHAN 2024 Thriller

Substitute Kaporal emerged as Angola’s unlikely hero, scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to inspire a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Zambia at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

The result not only kept Angola’s quarter-final hopes alive but also reshaped the complexion of Group A. The Palancas Negras now sit second with four points from three matches, three behind leaders Kenya, while Zambia remain bottom without a point after two games.

Earlier in the day, co-hosts Kenya edged Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, leaving the group delicately poised ahead of the evening kick-off.

In a tightly contested first half, both sides struggled to convert possession into genuine scoring opportunities. Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba tested Angola goalkeeper Neblú twice inside the opening minute, but the shot-stopper was equal to the task. Angola responded with near misses from Anderson Cruz and Vidinho, but the scoreline remained goalless at the break.

The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Zambia’s Dominic Chanda pounced on a loose ball following a set-piece, slotting home to give the Chipolopolo their first goal of the tournament. After their 3-1 defeat to DR Congo in the opener, this goal looked set to spark a much-needed revival.

Sensing urgency, Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves introduced Kaporal in the second half — a decision that transformed the game.

In the 79th minute, the substitute latched onto a precise Gogoró pass and finished coolly to level the score. Just seven minutes later, he struck again, reacting quickest in a congested penalty area to fire home the winner.

Zambia, stunned by the turnaround, pressed for an equaliser but failed to capitalise on their chances. Jackson Kampamba squandered a close-range opportunity in the 86th minute, and Chanda’s stoppage-time header sailed harmlessly into Neblú’s hands.

Kenya – 7 points (3 matches)

Angola – 4 points (3 matches)

Morocco – 3 points (2 matches)

DR Congo – 3 points (2 matches)

Zambia – 0 points (2 matches)

For Angola, this was a statement victory. Anything less than three points would have left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Instead, Gonçalves’ men showed resilience, rallying from behind to secure a priceless win.

For Zambia, the defeat is another setback in their recent CHAN history. Under Avram Grant, they looked composed after taking the lead but faltered in game management — a recurring weakness that could cost them a place in the knockout stages.

Angola face DR Congo next in what could prove decisive for their quarter-final aspirations. Zambia, meanwhile, take on unbeaten hosts Kenya in a must-win encounter if they are to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.

If Kaporal’s late heroics are any indication, Angola have the momentum — and the belief — to turn a stuttering start into a memorable CHAN 2024 run.