Full-time: Congo vs Zambia | 2-0
Scorers: Ibrahim Matobo 51’, Horso Malanga 71’
Zambia’s 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign began on a sour note as they fell 2-0 to Congo in a frustrating Group Stage opener on 7th July 2025 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The first half offered little in terms of goalmouth action, with both sides taking a cautious approach and testing each other’s defenses. In the first few minutes though DR Congo meant business when Killian Kanguluma called to duty to block Jephter Kitambala’s shot.
Later at 11th minute ”some flashes from Kelvin Kampamba, Benedict Chepeshi and Wilson Chisala. Chisala delayed to make the most of a Chepeshi cross the in the box.”
But after the break, Congo found another gear. Just six minutes into the second half, Ibrahim Matobo pounced on a poor clearance and slotted the ball past the exposed Zambian goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
The Chipolopolo tried to mount a response, but the midfield struggled to string passes together, and the frontline rarely troubled the Congolese keeper. Congo’s disciplined backline kept Zambia’s attackers unusually quiet throughout.
Matters worsened in the 71st minute when slack marking in the box allowed Horso Malanga to double the lead. Zambia’s defense was left rooted, and Malanga made no mistake with a composed finish.
Coach Grant rang the changes, introducing fresh legs in attack, Andrew Phiri and Wilson Chisala for Frederick Mulambia and Timothy Sichalwe., but Congo saw out the remainder of the match with relative ease.
The defeat leaves Zambia under early pressure, with no room for error in the remaining group fixtures. A victory in their next match against Angola on 10th August is now a must if they are to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
For their match day 2 Angola drew against the host Kenya played on same date as Zambia. In 7th minute Jó Paciência broke the line but soon Kenya came back in 12th minute with Austin Odhiambo finding the net. Kenya played shor of the men as Marvin Omondi was red carded in the 21st minute.
Final Score Congo vs Zambia
DR Congo 2-0 Zambia
⚽ Ibrahim Matobo (51’), Horso Malanga (71’)
