Substitute Kaporal scored twice in the final eleven minutes to inspire Angola to a 2-1 comeback victory over Zambia in Group A of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship in Nairobi.
The Palancas Negras had trailed for much of the second half but the result propels them to second place in the standings with four points from three matches. Leaders Kenya have seven, while Zambia remain bottom without a point after two games.
The day’s earlier fixture saw co-hosts Kenya edge Morocco 1-0 at Nyayo National Stadium, leaving the group finely poised before the evening kick-off.
The match began cautiously with few clear chances. Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba forced Angola goalkeeper Neblú into two early saves, while Anderson Cruz and Vidinho went close for the Angolans. The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Zambia defender Dominic Chanda reacted quickest to a loose ball after a set piece to fire his side ahead.
It was Zambia’s first goal of the tournament and offered hope of recovery following their opening 3-1 loss to DR Congo.
However, Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves turned to his bench and brought on Kaporal, a move that shifted the momentum. In the 79th minute, he latched on to a pass from Gogoró and finished calmly to level the score. Seven minutes later, the substitute was in the right place again, slamming home the winner from close range.
Zambia’s attempts to respond were frantic but wasteful. Jackson Kampamba shot wide from close range and Chanda’s header in stoppage time went straight to Neblú.
The victory keeps Angola’s hopes alive, while Zambia now face an uphill task to progress from the group.
