DR Congo reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 marketing campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Zambia of their second Group A fixture on Thursday night in Nairobi.
Objectives from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku sealed a much-needed victory for the Leopards, who bounced again strongly from their opening day defeat to co-hosts Kenya. The consequence ended a five-match winless streak for DR Congo in CHAN competitions and dealt Zambia their first-ever group stage loss in event historical past, ending a 12-match unbeaten run.
After a cagey and goalless first half, Otis Ngoma’s facet emerged from the break with renewed goal. The breakthrough arrived within the 51st minute when Jephte Kitambala arrange Matobo, who unleashed a robust right-footed strike into the highest nook.
Zambia responded with urgency, however efforts from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu have been denied by DR Congo’s composed goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, who put in a standout efficiency.
The Leopards sealed the victory within the 71st minute when Oscar Kabwit launched Horso Mwaku on a counter-attack. The substitute made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the web to double the lead and underline DR Congo’s ruthless edge.
Regardless of their formidable group-stage file at CHAN, Chipolopolo appeared disjointed and lacked sharpness within the last third. Coach Avram Grant launched attacking adjustments, together with Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia, however none might discover a breakthrough.
Zulu had Zambia’s greatest likelihood late within the recreation, however his header within the 89th minute was saved out by Efonge — a second that encapsulated their irritating night time.
The win was a well timed response for DR Congo after a 1-0 opening loss to Kenya and an prolonged goalless run of 427 minutes within the competitors. Coach Ngoma had known as for a response — and his gamers delivered with self-discipline, power, and high quality ending.
Matobo, who was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, led from the entrance alongside key contributors Kabwit, Kitambala, and Efonge. The affect of substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume additionally gave the Leopards a decisive edge.
The victory leaves Group A finely balanced, with DR Congo, Morocco, and Kenya all tied on three factors heading into the ultimate spherical of matches. Zambia and Angola are left needing outcomes to salvage their campaigns.
DR Congo now flip their consideration to a probably decisive conflict with Morocco, whereas Kenya face Angola in Thursday’s late fixture.
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