DR Congo breathed new life into their CHAN PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a dominant 2-0 win over Zambia on Thursday evening at Nyayo National Stadium, snapping a five-match winless streak and reasserting themselves as serious contenders in Group A.
Second-half goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku propelled the Leopards past a lethargic Zambian side, whose unbeaten group stage record, spanning 12 CHAN matches, came to a crashing halt.
After a cagey first half devoid of clear chances, Otis Ngoma’s side emerged from the break revitalised.
Jephte Kitambala orchestrated a slick move to set up Matobo, who unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner in the 51st minute.
Zambia’s attempts at a comeback were met with stiff resistance from goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, who was impeccable on the night, denying headers from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu.
The killer blow came in the 71st minute when Oscar Kabwit’s pinpoint ball released Mwaku, who made no mistake with a rocket into the roof of the net to seal the win.
Chipolopolo lacked sharpness throughout, failing to capitalise on their possession and struggling to break down DR Congo’s compact shape. Despite a flurry of changes by coach Avram Grant, Zambia’s attacking frailties persisted, with Zulu’s late header summing up their frustrations.
Having failed to score in over 427 CHAN minutes, the Leopards finally found their rhythm. The result lifts them to three points, tied with Morocco and Kenya, and sets up a tantalising final group clash against the Atlas Lions.
Man of the Match Ibrahim Matobo headlined a solid team performance alongside Kabwit, Kitambala, and the dependable Efonge. Coach Ngoma praised his squad’s “mental reset” and discipline, calling the win “a true turning point.”
With Morocco, Kenya, and DR Congo all on their best foot forward, the race for quarter-final slots is set to go down to the wire.
