CHAN2024: Pressure for Kenya as DR Congo stun Zambia to secure first win
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 07.08.25. | 18:05
The win lifts DR Congo to second place in Group A, level on points with Kenya but ahead on goal difference
DR Congo eased the pressure on their shoulders by securing their first victory at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), defeating Zambia 2-0 in a crucial Group A clash at Nyayo National Stadium.
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The Leopards, who had failed to convert dominance into goals in their opening match, finally delivered, with second-half strikes from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Malanga sealing all three points.
Zambia came into the match hoping to launch their CHAN campaign on a high note and build on their historic third-place finish from the 2009 edition.
However, they were outclassed in the second period by a sharper Congolese side.
The match started with the Leopards dictating much of the early tempo but failing to convert dominance into goals.
The match kicked off with early energy from the Congolese, who immediately pressed high.
In the second minute, a threatening cross from the right flank forced Zambia to concede an early corner.
While the corner did not yield results, Linda Mtange showed his intent with a surging run into the final third, teeing up Japhet Kitambala, whose deflected shot rolled out for another set-piece.
Zambia, trying to find their rhythm, struggled to establish a foothold in midfield where Congo consistently overpowered them.
However, in the 12th minute, the Chipolopolo finally carved out their first real move.
Kelvin Kampamba chipped a delightful ball towards John Chisumba, but the chance was well defended and cleared for a throw-in.
Kampamba’s involvement continued, although not all positive, as he went into the referee’s book moments later for a rough tackle on Oscar Kabwitt.
Kitambala took the resulting free-kick, but it flew off target.
Despite dominating possession and maintaining fluid control, Congo could not make it count in the final third.
As the game passed the 20-minute mark, Zambia began to grow into the match.
In the 23rd minute, DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Lyongo was called into action to save an effort from Andrew Phiri.
The Congolese responded with a swift counter-attack, ending with Kabwitt unleashing a powerful strike that went just wide of the post.
Zambia, coached by Avram Grant, struggled to build consistent threats and, by the 40th minute, had yet to test Lyongo with a clear chance.
As halftime approached, DR Congo turned up the pressure again.
Mtange and Kitambala camped in Zambia's final third, forcing multiple saves and clearances from defender Chongo Kabasa and his backline partner.
Despite Congo’s promising start and sustained pressure, their inability to finish kept the scores level.
Referee Hamdi Abid Charef blew for halftime with the scoreboard reading 0-0.
The second half began brightly for DR Congo, who almost opened the scoring in the 47th minute.
Agee Basiala linked up well with prolific forward Oscar Kabwitt, whose shot curled just inches wide of the post.
Linda Mtange followed up moments later with a powerful low effort, but Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanzia was quick to smother the ball.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 50th minute.
A quick throw-in caught Zambia’s defence off-guard, and Ibrahim Matobo pounced inside the box, rifling a brilliant strike into the net to hand DR Congo the lead.
Remarkably, it was the first goal Zambia had conceded in the group stages over three CHAN editions, and only the second time they had let in a goal in an opening fixture.
Just before the hour mark, Zambia captain Chongo Chirwa was booked for a handball in the final third as his side pushed forward.
In response, Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant made a triple substitution in the 63rd minute in an attempt to shift the momentum.
Congo’s Otis Ngoma responded with a double change of his own, and it paid off almost immediately.
A long ball from midfield found Kabwitt once again, and with composure, he drew three defenders before squaring the ball to substitute Horso Malanga, who calmly slotted home with his left foot to double the advantage in the 65th minute.
Although Congo later lost Linda Mtange to an injury, they remained in control, dictating possession and repeatedly threatening in Zambia’s final third.
Zambia grew into the game late on but failed to break down the disciplined Congolese defence, with goalkeeper Brudel Lyongo rarely tested.
The win lifts DR Congo to second place in Group A, level on points with Kenya but ahead on goal difference.
Kenya, who beat Congo in their opening match, will face the Palancas Negras later this evening (7:00 pm EAT) and have a chance to take sole control of the group.
