DR Congo reignited their PAMOJA 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a confident 2-0 win over Zambia in Group A on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku secured the Leopards’ first victory of the tournament and ended their five-match winless streak at CHAN, breathing life into their push for a quarter-final spot.
The result also handed Zambia their first-ever group-stage defeat in CHAN history, ending an impressive 12-match unbeaten run.
After a cagey and goalless first half, DR Congo returned from the break with renewed urgency. They broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Jephte Kitambala linked up with Matobo, who unleashed a superb strike into the top corner.
Zambia pushed for an equalizer, but goalkeeper Brudel Efonge stood firm, denying efforts from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu. The Leopards then doubled their lead in the 71st minute, as Oscar Kabwit’s swift counterattack found Mwaku, who smashed home from the centre of the box to seal the win.
Chipolopolo struggled to find rhythm throughout the match, with a disjointed attack and ineffective build-up play. Head coach Avram Grant made several changes in the second half, introducing Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia to spark a comeback — but to no avail.
Zulu’s late header in the 89th minute was Zambia’s best chance, but Efonge was once again equal to the task.
Following a 1-0 loss to Kenya in their opening game — and a CHAN goal drought spanning over 427 minutes — DR Congo responded in style. Head coach Otis Ngoma’s call for a reaction was met with a composed, clinical performance.
Matobo earned the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, while Kabwit, Kitambala, and Efonge delivered standout performances. Substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume added energy that helped close out the match.
With two rounds completed, Group A is finely poised. Morocco, Kenya, and DR Congo are level on three points, separated only by goal difference. Zambia and Angola face uphill tasks to remain in contention.
DR Congo’s final group game against Morocco is now a potential group decider, while Kenya’s clash with Angola later tonight could further reshape the group standings.
