NAIROBI, Kenya — Two-time champions Morocco have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a 3-1 victory over DR Congo at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday.
The result confirms the Atlas Lions’ progression alongside tournament hosts Kenya, who defeated Zambia 1-0 in the other Group A fixture to finish at the top of the group standings.
Group A decider
The final day of group stage action had exceptionally high stakes.
Morocco and DR Congo, both two-time CHAN winners, were tied with six points apiece, while Kenya held a slight advantage with seven.
The scenario was clear: Morocco needed a draw to advance, while DR Congo had to win to keep their hopes of progression alive.
The Leopards started with urgency but fell behind after only eight minutes when Oussama Lamlaoui scored from close range following a cross from Youssef Belammari.
Despite the ideal start for the Atlas Lions, the Congolese side responded well.
Their persistence paid off in the 43rd minute when Jephté Kitambala bundled in an equalizer, ensuring the teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
Second-half drama
While the first half was a display of Congo’s resilience, the second belonged to Morocco’s composure. The turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Magloire Ntambwe fouled Khalid Baba inside the penalty area.
After a VAR review, Moroccan midfielder Mohamed Hrimat calmly converted the spot-kick into the top corner, restoring his side’s lead.
As DR Congo was forced to play a more attacking game, gaps began to appear in their defense. In the 80th minute, Lamlaoui scored his second goal of the match, finishing a cut-back from Youssef Mehri to make the score 3-1.
While Morocco briefly thought they had a fourth goal, VAR intervened to disallow it for offside. The damage, however, was already done.
Despite several late substitutions and a spirited effort, the Leopards were unable to mount a comeback.
Their campaign ended in disappointment, while Morocco confidently advanced to the last eight.
Kenya claims top spot
In the other Group A match, hosts Kenya secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia at the Moi International Sports Centre.
The win was a testament to a resilient performance that preserved their unbeaten record in the group.
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The Harambee Stars finished with 10 points, one ahead of Morocco’s nine.
As a result, Morocco advanced as group runners-up, while DR Congo’s six points were not enough to secure progression in such a competitive group. Angola, with four points, and a winless Zambia, finished at the bottom of the standings.
Quarter-final line-up beckons
Both Kenya and Morocco now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, where the margin for error is significantly smaller.
For Morocco, the clinical finishing of Lamlaoui and the composure of Hrimat will be crucial.
For Kenya, their resolute defense and momentum as group leaders mark them as genuine contenders.
For DR Congo, the wait for a third CHAN title continues, a stark reminder of the ruthless nature of tournament football where the smallest margins can decide a team’s fate.
