Kinshasa, August 7th, 2025 (CPA). – The Leopards A’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have defeated the Chipolopolo of Zambia 2-0 and have secured their first victory on Thursday at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, on the second day of Group A of the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) football tournament. After a barren first half for both sides, the Leopards A’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have found their footing and scored their first goal in this competition, which is being jointly organised by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda from August 2nd to 30th. It all has started with the masterful work of Ibrahim Matobo Mubalu (51st minute), who has opened the scoring for his team with a brilliant pass from Jephte Kitambala. Following this opening goal, DRC technical staff has decided to bring Michee Mika (66th) onto the pitch in place of Age Basiala to give DRC attack more energy. Moments later, Kitambala (67th), who had been very active since the start of the game but was exhausted from his efforts to break down the Zambian defence, which had held strong until then, was replaced by Horso Mwaku Malanga.
Horso Mwaku’s decisive blow
Twenty minutes after this change and invigorated by this small but very important advantage, DRC national team’s double substitution has paid off (fruits). Thanks to this successful coaching move, Horso Mwaku Malanga (71st minute), ideally fed by Oscar Kabwit, has doubled the score for DRC Fauves, who thus have taken a two-goal lead over Zambia, stunned and powerless in the face of DRC’s surge of pride, while transforming themselves and holding on until the end, despite six minutes of added time that brought no change to the scoreboard, which remained at 2-0 at the final whistle, sealing DRC’s first ever victory in this competition. DRC is now back on track in Group A, with three points from two games, ahead of its next match against Angola. Meanwhile, Zambia’s Chipolopolo, who have made their debut on the scene, remain at the bottom of the table with zero points after one game.
Ibrahim Matobo of DRC named man of the match
In addition, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) midfielder Ibrahim Matobo has been named man of the match in the game between DRC and Zambia. CPA/