DRC reignite CHAN hopes

KENYA: DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) breathed new life into their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Zambia in a Group A encounter played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi yesterday.

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening fixture at the same venue, the Congolese side responded with greater determination, securing three vital points to keep their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive.

Credits came in the second half after a goalless first 45 minutes. The breakthrough came from Ibrahim Mubalu, who scored midway through the second half with a composed finish that left the Zambian goalkeeper motionless.

DRC doubled their advantage in the second half through Malanga Mwaku, who punished Zambia for their defensive lapse to seal a deserved victory. The result temporarily lifts DRC to third place in the Group A standings with three points, while Zambia remain bottom without a point from two matches.

At the top, Morocco lead the table on goal difference with three points, the same as hosts Kenya, who are placed second. Angola sits fourth, ahead of Zambia.

However, the group dynamics remained fluid last night, with the standings subject to change depending on the outcome of the late match between Angola and Kenya, which was level at 1-1 at half-time.

The first half began with blistering pace, DRC clearly looking the sharper of the two sides. Within minutes, they had already launched two threatening attacks.

In the 4th minute, Linda Mtange tested his range with a fierce strike from distance that, while ambitious, flew well over the bar.

The Congolese pressed high and used diagonal passes to destabilise Zambia’s backline.

DRC’s Kitambala Bola then attempted to capitalise with a wellplaced free-kick, only to see it sail narrowly over.

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The first half saw a better performance from DRC, while Zambia struggled to keep possession.

The second half resumed with DRC intensifying their efforts right away. Their efforts bore fruit in the 51st minute through Matobo Mabalu who capitalised on Oscar Kabwinti’s assist before he fired past Zambian goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza.

DRC continued pressing and in the 71st minute, a slick pass from Kabwinti found Horso Mwaku, who made no mistake to double for his side.

Zambia had a close attempt in the dying minutes of the game through their skipper, Kabaso Chongo, whose attempt hit the woodwork.