Earlier in the day, Morocco secured a 3-1 victory over Zambia, eliminating the Copper Bullets and setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown between DR Congo and Morocco on Sunday. With Angola’s campaign ending in disappointment after failing to score, the Group A dynamics now hinge on the final fixtures, with Kenya and Zambia also set to clash in a decisive encounter.
DR Congo and Angola entered their match with contrasting pressures—Angola needed a win to stay alive, while DR Congo knew that three points would bring them within reach of the knockout stages. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides creating chances. Angola’s Beni Jetour and Kaporal tested DR Congo’s goalkeeper Brudel Efonge from range, while Jephté Kitambala forced a save from Angola’s Neblú. Set-pieces offered Angola promising opportunities, but DR Congo’s defense held firm. The Leopards also threatened, with Ibrahim Matobo and Oscar Kabwit going close, yet the deadlock remained at halftime.
The second half saw DR Congo shift gears. In the 58th minute, Âgée Basiala delivered a pinpoint free-kick that Kitambala expertly headed into the bottom corner. Angola responded with attacking substitutions—Jó Paciência, Mafuta, and Gogoró injected energy—but Vidinho’s close-range header was denied by Efonge. Just as Angola began to build momentum, DR Congo struck again. Basiala, once more the architect, sent in a dangerous corner that Mokonzi met at the near post to double the lead in the 70th minute.
Angola pushed forward desperately in the final stages, but their finishing faltered. Paciência fired over, Lépua’s shot was blocked, and Kinito’s late effort was smothered by DR Congo’s resolute defense. Substitute goalkeeper Neblú made a fine save from Matobo to keep the scoreline respectable, but the damage had already been done. DR Congo’s backline, led by Osée Ndombele and Lolendo Mansanga, ensured there would be no late drama.
Basiala’s set-piece mastery proved decisive, with both goals stemming from his precise deliveries. Kitambala’s aerial presence and Mokonzi’s impact off the bench highlighted the depth and tactical flexibility in Daouda Lupembe’s squad. As DR Congo prepares to face Morocco in a match that could determine a semi-final berth, the stakes are sky-high. Meanwhile, Kenya’s clash with Zambia will decide the other quarter-finalist, as CHAN 2024 continues to deliver thrilling drama across East Africa.