By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (August 6^th 2025)

Group A Match Day 2

Zambia’s Chipolopolo had a losing start to their CHAN campaign, losing 0-2 to the DRC as the Democratic Republic of Congo got their campaign back on track. The DRC dominated the first half and much of the second half too, but had nothing to show for their dominance until six minutes into the second half.

Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu gave the Leopards the lead after he was set up by Jephte Kitambala to lash it in from the left of the area. The two-time CHAN winning Leopards doubled their lead twenty minutes later through Malanga Horso Mwaku – he was ably assisted by Oscar Kabwit.

Israeli tactician, Avram Grant’s largely unsuccessful tenure as Zambia’s tactician continued with the defeat. The Chipolopolo were largely toothless in attack. Grant took charge of Zambia’s CHAN campaign late in the day and on this showing Grant has much to fix if Zambia are to justify their seeding in Group A.

Meanwhile, Benni McCarthy’s Kenya had to play the majority of their tie against Angola with ten men – Marvin Omondi was sent off after 21 minutes for hauling Jó Paciência down, by which time the scoring had been completed.

Angola’s Palancas Negras had taken the lead after 7 minutes through Paciência, after an assist on the right by Bernabe Muafulo Tomas, but five minutes later Austin Odhiambo equalised from the penalty spot after Joaquim Balanga’s challenge on Odhiambo was changed to a penalty after a VAR check.

VAR intervened again deep into added time at the end of the match when Kaporal finish sparked exuberant celebrations, which were cut short by VAR for offside. Kenya’s goalkeeper, Bryne Omondi had pulled off some impressive saves to preserve the draw.

Kenya top Group A, a point clear of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco, although the Atlas Lions have a game in hand. Zambia is propping the group up a pint behind Angola, although Grant’s charges have a game in hand.