Nairobi – Kenya.

DR Congo reignited their CHAN 2024 campaign with a convincing 2–0 victory over Zambia in a Group A match played this afternoon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Bouncing back from their opening-day defeat to Kenya, the Leopards produced a dominant performance, outclassing a blunt Zambian side that struggled for rhythm, ideas, and clear-cut chances throughout the 90 minutes.

The Congolese started on the front foot, pressing high and dictating play from the first whistle. Their intent was clear ,to control the midfield and unsettle Zambia early and they did just that. Quick ball recoveries and aggressive wing play kept Zambia pinned back, unable to build from the back or settle into their usual tempo.

DR Congo’s pressure paid off in the 52nd minute when Matobo broke the deadlock. Kitambala did well to retain the ball inside the Zambian box before slipping it to Matobo, who made no mistake with a right-footed finish into the corner. It was a goal that had been coming, and it injected even more confidence into the Congolese side.

Zambia, trailing and chasing the game, made several substitutions in an attempt to shift the momentum. Kampamba, Bwalya and Kampumbu were all withdrawn by the hour mark as coach Chisi Mbewe sought more energy and attacking threat. However, despite controlling more possession, Chipolopolo struggled to break down Congo’s well-organised defence. Their forays forward often ended with misplaced passes, blocked shots, or failed final balls.

The Leopards doubled their lead in the 71st minute through substitute Mwaku. On a swift counterattack, Kabwit drove forward and laid it off to Mwaku, who found himself unmarked in the box. With composure, he struck with his left foot past the stranded Zambian goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

From then on, Congo managed the game smartly, rotating their squad with substitutions and sitting deeper to absorb Zambia’s pressure. The Southern Africans, for all their ball control, could not find a way through. Congo remained compact and disciplined, with defenders throwing their bodies in the way of everything. Even in the dying moments, with six minutes of added time, Zambia failed to test the goalkeeper meaningfully.

Frustration crept in, and yellow cards were shown on both sides, with Chongo and Kampumbu booked for Zambia and Kayembe and Kokeleya cautioned for DR Congo. Tempers threatened to flare, but the Leopards remained composed to see out the result.

The final whistle confirmed a massive victory for DR Congo ; a side with a strong CHAN pedigree , as they put their campaign back on track. The win lifts them to three points after two matches, keeping their knockout hopes alive ahead of their final group game.

For Zambia, the defeat is a wake-up call. After watching from the sidelines on matchday one, they were second best for most of the game and must regroup quickly ahead of their next test. Their attack lacked penetration, and their midfield was outmuscled for large spells, a performance that must improve if they are to remain in the tournament.