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DR Congo reignited their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Zambia in their second Group A fixture on Thursday evening in Nairobi.
Goals from Ibrahim Matobo and substitute Horso Mwaku sealed a much-needed victory for the Leopards, who bounced back strongly from their opening day defeat to co-hosts Kenya. The result ended a five-match winless streak for DR Congo in CHAN competitions and dealt Zambia their first-ever group stage loss in tournament history, ending a 12-match unbeaten run.
After a cagey and goalless first half, Otis Ngoma’s side emerged from the break with renewed purpose. The breakthrough arrived in the 51st minute when Jephte Kitambala set up Matobo, who unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner.
Zambia responded with urgency, but efforts from Killian Kanguluma and Charles Zulu were denied by DR Congo’s composed goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, who put in a standout performance.
The Leopards sealed the victory in the 71st minute when Oscar Kabwit released Horso Mwaku on a counter-attack. The substitute made no mistake, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to double the lead and underline DR Congo’s ruthless edge.
Despite their formidable group-stage record at CHAN, Chipolopolo looked disjointed and lacked sharpness in the final third. Coach Avram Grant introduced attacking changes, including Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Frederick Mulambia, but none could find a breakthrough.
Zulu had Zambia’s best chance late in the game, but his header in the 89th minute was kept out by Efonge — a moment that encapsulated their frustrating night.
The win was a timely response for DR Congo after a 1-0 opening loss to Kenya and an extended goalless run of 427 minutes in the competition. Coach Ngoma had called for a reaction — and his players delivered with discipline, energy, and quality finishing.
Matobo, who was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, led from the front alongside key contributors Kabwit, Kitambala, and Efonge. The impact of substitutes Mwaku and Boaz Ngalamulume also gave the Leopards a decisive edge.
The victory leaves Group A finely balanced, with DR Congo, Morocco, and Kenya all tied on three points heading into the final round of matches. Zambia and Angola are left needing results to salvage their campaigns.
DR Congo now turn their attention to a potentially decisive clash with Morocco, while Kenya face Angola in Thursday’s late fixture.
