NAIROBI, Kenya — Two-time champions DR Congo have taken a significant stride toward the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a composed 2-0 victory over Angola. The match, held at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Thursday night, saw the Leopards A’ secure a result that places them in a strong position for qualification from Group A.
The deadlock was broken by two second-half headers from Jephté Kitambala and substitute Jonathan Mokonzi.
Earlier in the day, Morocco had defeated Zambia 3-1, setting up a high-stakes encounter between DR Congo and Morocco on Sunday that will likely determine a semi-final berth.
For Angola, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign.
Tight first half
The match began with both teams in contrasting positions: Angola needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive, while DR Congo knew a victory would bring them to the brink of the knockout stages.
The first 45 minutes saw chances for both sides. Angola’s Beni Jetour and Kaporal tested DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efonge, while Jephté Kitambala forced a save from Angola’s Neblú.
Despite Angola’s threat from set-pieces and close attempts from Ibrahim Matobo and Oscar Kabwit for the Leopards, the first half concluded without a goal.
Leopards roar after the break
The game’s intensity escalated in the second half. DR Congo took the lead in the 58th minute when Âgée Basiala’s precise free-kick found Kitambala, who headed it into the bottom corner.
Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, responded with attacking substitutions, introducing Jó Paciência, Mafuta, and Gogoró.
They nearly equalized through Vidinho’s close-range header, but Efonge made a smart save.
However, as Angola pushed for an equalizer, DR Congo struck again.
In the 70th minute, Basiala once more provided a teasing cross from a corner, which Mokonzi met at the near post to double the lead.
Angola’s frustration grows
In the final fifteen minutes, Angola increased their offensive pressure, but their finishing lacked precision.
Jó Paciência fired over the bar, Lépua’s shot was blocked, and Kinito’s late attempt was smothered by the DR Congo defense.
Goalkeeper Neblú managed to keep the score respectable with a late save from Matobo.
The DR Congo defense, marshaled by Osée Ndombele and Lolendo Mansanga, maintained its discipline, ensuring no late drama.
Basiala the architect
While the goals were a result of clinical headers, the decisive factor was the precision of Basiala’s set-piece deliveries.
The winger was the architect of both goals, directly creating the scoring opportunities that sealed the victory.
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The contributions of Kitambala and the impact of substitute Mokonzi highlighted the depth of Daouda Lupembe’s squad.
With the crucial match against Morocco looming on Sunday, the stakes are exceptionally high.
The winner will likely secure a spot in the next round, while the outcome of the match between Kenya and Zambia will determine the other quarter-finalist.
