DR Congo reignited their CAF African Nations Championship (Chan) 2024 campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Zambia in their second Group A match on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku helped the Leopards bounce back from their opening day defeat to co-hosts Kenya and keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The win also marked the end of a five-match winless run for DR Congo at Chan, while inflicting Zambia’s first-ever group stage defeat in the competition’s history — a remarkable statistic that stretched across 12 matches prior to kickoff.
Second-half spark lifts DR Congo
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After a goalless and scrappy first half that saw both sides cancel each other out, DR Congo came out of the break with renewed intensity and soon found the breakthrough.
Just six minutes into the second half, a neat passage of play saw Jephte Kitambala pick out Ibrahim Matobo, who powered a right-footed effort into the top left corner to give Otis Ngoma’s side a deserved lead in the 51st minute.
Zambia attempted to respond, but their best efforts — including close-range headers from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu — were thwarted by goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, who delivered a composed and commanding display between the posts.
The Leopards doubled their lead in the 71st minute through substitute Horso Mwaku, who latched onto a pinpoint pass from Oscar Kabwit on a fast break and lashed the ball high into the net from the centre of the box.
That goal sealed the result and underlined DR Congo’s clinical edge on the night — a stark contrast to their wasteful display against Kenya.
A match of missed chances for Chipolopolo
Despite boasting a proud Chan group-stage record, Zambia looked out of rhythm and short on ideas in the attacking third. Their opening half was marked by poor decision-making and a lack of penetration.
Coach Avram Grant, who had urged his team to focus on shape and confidence in the build-up, made multiple substitutions in the second half in search of inspiration, including the introductions of Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia.
Zulu came closest to pulling one back in the 89th minute when his header from the centre of the box was saved low by Efonge — a moment that summed up Zambia’s evening in front of goal.
DR Congo’s response after opening setback
For DR Congo, the win not only ends their five-game winless run at CHAN but also keeps them in the mix for a place in the quarter-finals.
After losing 1-0 to Kenya in their opening game — and going over 427 minutes without a goal in the competition — the Leopards showed resilience, tactical balance, and sharp finishing to pick up a crucial three points.
Coach Otis Ngoma had demanded a reaction from his players, and they delivered with maturity and urgency.
Standout performances from Ibrahim Matobo – who won the Man of the Match award – Kabwit, Kitambala, and Efonge anchored the victory, while substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume added fresh energy to see out the result.
Group A standings after two rounds
With this result, Group A now features a three-way tie at the top. Morocco, Kenya, and DR Congo all sit on three points, separated by goal difference. Zambia and Angola have work to do if they are to salvage their campaigns.
Kenya will face Angola later tonight in what could further reshape the group landscape, while DR Congo’s final group match against Morocco is shaping up to be a potential group decider.