CHAN2024: Harambee Stars into quarters after DR Congo beat Angola
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 14.08.25. | 22:17
A draw between Morocco and DR Congo will still see Kenya proceed by virtue of Harambee Stars having a superior head-to-head record against the two sides
On their African Nations Championship (CHAN) debut, Harambee Stars have progressed to the quarter finals of the tourney without kicking a ball after DR Congo beat Angola 2-0 on Thursday, 14 August, at Kasarani Stadium.
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Kenya, with seven points, are assured of progression as the second and third-placed teams in Group A Morocco and DR Congo, currently on six points, face each other in the final group game.
A draw between Morocco and DR Congo will still see Kenya proceed by virtue of Harambee Stars having a superior head-to-head record against the two sides.
The result also means that two-time CHAN winners DR Congo reignited their hopes of reaching the knockout stage despite an opening loss to Kenya.
Second-half goals from talisman Jepthe Kitambala and substitute Kaluo Makonzi proved decisive as the Leopards collected their second win of the tournament, drawing level on six points with Morocco, who earlier overcame Zambia 3-1.
As expected, the match began at a blistering pace, with both sides eager to strengthen their quarter-final prospects. Inside the opening minute, Angola threatened through Joaquim Balanga, whose header was safely gathered by Congolese goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.
In quick response, Ibrahim Mabalu’s effort for Congo drifted narrowly wide, signalling an end-to-end contest.
Angola pressed forward again in the 10th minute when Joao Manha’s dangerous header forced a corner, but Congo’s defence stood firm.
Minutes later, Efonge was called into action twice in quick succession, first denying Bernabe Thomas’ 25-yard strike, then tipping away Manha’s follow-up attempt from inside the box.
Congo nearly struck on 16 minutes when Kitambala pounced on a loose ball, only to see his low drive collected by Adilson Cipriano in the Angolan goal.
The Palancas Negras continued to press, with Victor Pedro and Antonio Hossi both going close, Hossi’s delivery even rattling the crossbar in the 28th minute.
The Leopards mounted a strong spell just past the half-hour mark, forcing Cipriano into a series of vital interventions, while Miche Mika’s dangerous cross was cut out before reaching its target.
Angola almost snatched the lead at the stroke of the halftime whistle through Eddie Afonso, but Efonge held firm to ensure the first half ended goalless.
The tempo remained high after the restart, with Angola’s Antonio Hossi delivering a precise cross to Manha, whose header was once again denied by Efonge’s quick reflexes.
Congo’s breakthrough came in the 63rd minute after being awarded a free kick 25 yards out following Ibrahim Matobo's foul, Fred’s delivery was flicked on by Agee Baisala, allowing Kitambala to rise highest and nod the ball past Cipriano, sparking wild celebrations from the Congolese supporters.
Just two minutes later, Angola came close to equalising when Manha’s header forced another fingertip save from the inspired Efonge.
However, their hopes were dealt a further blow in the 70th minute when Makonzi powered home Baisala’s corner to double Congo’s advantage.
Angola’s late efforts through Victor Pedro and others were thwarted by a resolute Congo backline, while Matobo’s chance to add a third went just wide.
In the end, Congo held on firmly and are now in contention for a quarter-final place.
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