Democratic Republic of Congo has delivered a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat Zambia 2-0 in their opening Group B clash at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with second-half goals from Ibrahim Matobo and Horso Malanga sealing the victory.
Despite a promising and energetic start by Zambia, it was the Congolese side who took their chances when it mattered.
The opening 45 minutes saw a balanced affair, with both teams having half-chances but failing to break the deadlock.
Zambia’s early momentum came through lively spells from Kelvin Kampamba, Benedict Chepeshi, and Wilson Chisala. In the 11th minute, Chepeshi whipped in a dangerous cross into the box, but Chisala hesitated and the opportunity went begging.
Moments later, Kelvin Kapumbu found himself in the referee’s book for a foul on DR Congo’s Jephter Kitambala. The resulting free kick, however, failed to trouble Zambia’s defense.
DR Congo’s closest chance of the half came in the 23rd minute when John Chishimba’s quick movement inside the box was smothered by the alert Kayembe.The turning point came shortly after the restart.
In the 51st minute, Ibrahim Matobo pounced on a defensive lapse and fired past Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza to give DR Congo a deserved 1-0 lead.
Zambia attempted to respond through Andrew Phiri, who was flagged offside in the 59th minute after latching onto a clever through ball from Kampamba.
The Chipolopolo then introduced a triple substitution to inject fresh energy Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Owen Tembo came on in place of Rally Bwalya, Kapumbu and Jackson Kampamba.But just as Zambia looked to claw back into the match, DR Congo struck again.
In the 71st minute, Horso Malanga showed composure and class, lofting a perfectly weighted ball over Mwanza to double Congo’s lead and deflate the Zambian momentum.
Coach Grant rang more changes, bringing on Frederick Mulambia and Timothy Sichalwe for Andrew Phiri and Wilson Chisala.
Yet, Congo’s disciplined backline held firm, closing out the game with confidence during the six minutes of added time.