The TotalEnergies CHAN is set for a thrilling last battle in Group A between two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo after the two teams picked vital victories against Zambia and Angola, respectively, in their quest for a quarter-final spot.
Morocco Secures 3-1 Win Over Zambia
Morocco’s home-based Atlas Lions are on course to securing a spot in the quarterfinals after a convincing 3-1 win over Zambia. Despite initial imprecision, Morocco dominated the match, exploiting the flanks to outmaneuver Zambia’s defense. Rabie Hrimat broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half, scoring Morocco’s first goal. Oussama Lamlaoui doubled the lead in the 67th minute, before Andrew Phiri scored a consolation goal for Zambia in the 70th minute. Sabir Bougrine sealed the win with a goal in the fifth minute of added time.
Mehri’s creativity was decisive, providing two assists and linking play throughout the match. Lamlaoui’s movement and Hrimat’s midfield control were also crucial to Morocco’s dominance.
DR Congo Defeats Angola 2-0 in CHAN 2024
DR Congo secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Angola, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive. The match saw DR Congo’s Jephte Kitambala score the opening goal in the 58th minute from a perfectly delivered set piece by Agee Basiala. Mokonzi Katumbwe sealed the win with a powerful header from another Basiala cross in the 70th minute.
Angola started the game strongly, dominating possession and creating chances, but DR Congo’s defense held firm. Deivi Miguel had an early opportunity, but his shot was blocked and deflected out for a corner. Despite their best efforts, Angola couldn’t find the back of the net in the first half. The game changed in the 58th minute when Kitambala headed in Basiala’s set piece, giving DR Congo the lead. Katumbwe doubled the lead with a powerful header from another Basiala cross, making it 2-0.
This victory puts DR Congo level on six points with Morocco in Group A, setting up a crucial match between the two teams on Sunday. Kenya, who drew with Angola earlier in the tournament, has already qualified for the quarterfinals. The current Group A standings before the final match are: Kenya with 7 points, having already qualified for the quarterfinals, while DR Congo and Morocco both have 6 points each, and Angola has 4 points but has been eliminated from the tournament.
The win revives DR Congo’s quarterfinal hopes, while Angola’s loss ends their tournament campaign. The upcoming match between DR Congo and Morocco promises to be an intense showdown, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.
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