CHAN 2024: Manha brace against Zambia lifts Angola to second in Group A
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 10.08.25. | 20:54
With two games remaining for most teams, Angola’s quarter-final hopes are alive
Substitute Joao Chingado Manha struck twice in the final 11 minutes, as Angola staged a dramatic fightback to beat Zambia 2-1 and climb to second place in Group A at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
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Following the win, the Palancas Negras find themselves with four points, three behind leaders Kenya, having played a similar number of matches.
Zambia, still without a point after two games, are bottom of the group and staring at an early exit.
Earlier in the day, co-hosts Kenya edged Morocco 1-0 at Kasarani Stadium, leaving Group A finely poised before Angola and Zambia’s evening clash.
However, Angola grabbed the chance to join Kenya in advancing closer to the knockout stage.
The first half was tense and relatively slow, with both sides struggling to turn possession into genuine chances.
Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba twice tested goalkeeper Neblú inside the opening minute, while Angola’s Anderson Cruz and Vidinho fired narrowly wide.
The closest the Chipolopolo came was a Kayombo finish chalked off for handball.
After the break, Zambia upped the tempo and finally made the breakthrough in the 73rd minute.
A Kampamba free-kick caused chaos in the box, and Dominic Chanda pounced on the loose ball to slot home their first goal of the tournament.
Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves responded with attacking changes, introducing Manha to spark life into their forward line.
The move paid off almost instantly. In the 79th minute, the substitute latched onto a Gogoró pass to level scores.
Seven minutes later, Manha was on hand again in a crowded box, smashing home the winner to complete the turnaround.
Zambia, stunned by the reversal, pushed for an equaliser but found Angola’s defence unyielding.
Jackson Kampamba spurned a close-range chance, and Chanda’s stoppage-time header drifted harmlessly into Neblú’s gloves.
With two games remaining for most teams, Angola’s quarter-final hopes are alive, while Zambia must win both of their remaining fixtures to stand any chance of progressing.
