Two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo revived their quarter-final hopes at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Thursday, securing crucial wins over Zambia and Angola respectively.
Morocco powered past Zambia 3-1 in a dominant display at the Nyayo National Stadium, while DR Congo sealed a 2-0 victory to eliminate Angola from the competition.
The Atlas Lions controlled the early stages against Zambia, creating three clear chances but failing to convert until first-half stoppage time when captain Mohamed Hrimat headed in Youssef Mehri’s corner.
Zambia thought they had equalised in the 65th minute through defender Happy Nsiku, but VAR ruled out the goal for an infringement in the build-up. Morocco quickly punished the lapse, with Oussama Lamlaoui doubling their lead a minute later. Substitute Andrew Phiri gave Zambia hope with a 70th-minute strike, but Sabir Bougrine’s stoppage-time goal sealed the win, moving Morocco to second in Group A with six points — one behind leaders Kenya.
In the day’s other match, DR Congo — also two-time winners — ended Angola’s campaign with a composed second-half performance. Jephte Kitambala and Mokonzi Katumbwe scored to keep the Leopards’ quarter-final ambitions alive.
Morocco and DR Congo, both on six points, will face each other on Sunday in a decisive group-stage clash, while Kenya take on Zambia to determine the final quarter-finalists.
