The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a 2-0 TotalEnergies CAF CHAN victory worth of three points after a disciplined display that saw the home-based Leopards defeat Angola in group A, maintaining the pace with second-placed Morocco.
Goals by Kitambala and Mokonzi, from Bassiala’s perfectly delivered set-pieces at the Moi International Sports Center, Nairobi, Kenya – was the difference maker.
Early Pressure from Angola
Angola started the game like a house on fire and created more chances in the first half, but the DR Congo returned in the second half to pick their moments relying on Angola’s fragility in dealing with crosses to win the game, with Kitambala and Mokonzi ensuring all three points.
Angola and the DR Congo started Thursday’s late kickoff with chances at both ends that saw a total of 10 shots from both sides, 5 on target before the 20th minute mark. Deivi Miguel “Gilberto” picked up from where he left after his man of the match heroics against Zambia and was a handful on the right flank. His cross on the 9th minute found Kaporal unmarked, but the center forward scuffed his left-footed effort.
The Palancas Negras
continued siege and 2 minutes later, it was youngster, Benedito “Beni” who advanced unperturbed and stroke from 28 yards, but Efonge was at full stretch to make the save. The men of Pedro Gonçalves continued piling on the pressure with Kaporal coming close again at the 14th minute after a square ball by Hossi, but the keeper pushed his effort out again.
DR Congo Grows into the Game
The DR Congo grew into the game and started creating chances of their own. Mika registered Congo’s first shot on target from a corner at the 15th minute that brought out a rather academic save from Neblu. Neblu had more work to do at the 33rd minute. The shot-stopper rushed his outing trying to punch out Basiala’s drop-ball in the area but he spilled into the feet of Kabwit. Neblu recovered to deny the latter, with his feet, but Kabwit had a second bite at the cherry that took Kinito- putting his body on the line to deny Congo the lead. The most glaring chance of the half for the Congo came through to the man they wanted. After a nice interchange of passing on the right wing, Kitambala was let loose but his attempt was saved from point-blank range by Nablu.
The Turning Point
The game was goalless at the break, with both teams feeling they deserved to head into the tunnel with the lead. Congo came out as the aggressors in the second half. Angola conceded a yellow card for fear of Basiala’s pace, but even more dangerously, a perfectly placed free kick for his right boot. The well-crafted set piece before the hour mark (58) by Basiala Amongo found the head of Kitambala who threw himself at the ball to glance it home at Neblu’s near post.
Angola fought back through Hossi’s 62nd-minute cross that found Kaporal’s head, but it was tipped over by a vigilant Efonge who was a spectator in the second half right up until that point. Coach N’Goma Kondi sensing a chance to take over the game introduced Katumbwe and Baso, on for Ntanbwe and Kabwit.
Supersub Mokonzi
Off the bench, Mokonzi scored with his first chance. From another Basiala cross, this time, via the right corner, it was attacked at the near post by Mokonzi Katumbwe, who made it two nil.
Aftermath
Pedro Gonçalves made five second-half changes to try and regain control of the game, bringing on: Inácio da Costa, Paciência, Mbemba João, Ngunza Muanha, and Lepua. Despite the substitutions, chances were at a premium for Angola against a well-oiled DRC machine. Congo looked more dangerous on the counter. As Angola went in search for an elusive equalizer, they were caught napping at the back by Matobo’s pace down the right – and his powerful drive was only just pushed away by Neblu at the 86th minute.
What’s Next
Angola’s time at the competition comes to a crushing end, while two-time winners Congo will live to fight on the final day against Morocco, in what is shaping up to be an electric end of hostilities in group A. Congo are level on points with Morocco (6 points apiece) and the winner sails through. The winner of that tie accompanies Kenya to the quarter-finals. Morocco advances on goals difference in case of a parity. Group A promises to bring drama right at the very end.
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